Prelimbic cortical projections to rostromedial tegmental nucleus play a suppressive role in cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking.

ABSTRACT: The prelimbic (PL) region of prefrontal cortex has been implicated in both driving and suppressing cocaine seeking in animal models of addiction. We hypothesized that these opposing roles for PL may be supported by distinct efferent projections. While PL projections to nucleus accumbens core have been shown to be involved in driving reinstatement of cocaine seeking, PL projections to the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) may instead suppress reinstatement of cocaine seeking, due to the role of RMTg in behavioral inhibition. Here, we used a functional disconnection approach to temporarily disrupt the PL-RMTg pathway during cue- or cocaine-induced reinstatement. Male Sprague Dawley rats self-administered cocaine during daily 2-h sessions for ≥10 days and then underwent extinction trainin

SUBMITTER: Cruz AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8209220 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature