Ca_v1.3 L-type Ca²⁺ channel-activated CaMKII/ERK2 pathway in the ventral tegmental area is required for cocaine conditioned place preference.

ABSTRACT: We have previously demonstrated that pharmacological blockade of ventral tegmental area (VTA) Ca_v1.3 L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) using Ca_v1.2 dihydropyridine insensitive (Ca_v1.2DHP^-/-) mutant mice attenuates cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). However, the molecular mechanisms by which Ca_v1.3 channels mediate the effects of cocaine in the VTA remain largely unknown. In this study using Ca_v1.2DHP^-/- male mice, we find that cocaine place preference increases CaM kinase IIα, ERK2, and CREB phosphorylation in the VTA, proteins strongly linked to cocaine behaviors. To further explore the causal role of these intracellular signaling proteins in cocaine preference, the CaM kinase II inhibitor, KN93 was direct

SUBMITTER: Martinez-Rivera A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9796157 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature