ISSN:
1460-9568
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Drug-induced neuroadaptations within the nucleus accumbens, including activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), may contribute to the synaptic plasticity and behavioural changes that underlie drug addiction. As a direct test of this hypothesis, we examined the effects in rats of PKA activation (Sp-cAMPS infusions of 10 and 20 nmol/side) and inhibition (Rp-cAMPS infusions of 10 and 20 nmol/side) in the nucleus accumbens on motivation to obtain cocaine as measured by responding under the progressive-ratio schedule. Bilateral infusions of Sp-cAMPS (20 nmol/side) resulted in an increase in progressive-ratio responding for cocaine and this effect persisted for several days. In contrast, Rp-cAMPS (20 nmol/side) produced persistent decreases in progressive-ratio responding for cocaine beginning on the day of administration and lasting for several days. These data suggest that alternations in PKA activity within the nucleus accumbens as a consequence of repeated cocaine exposure may contribute to addiction by producing persistent increases in motivation to obtain cocaine.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04305.x
Permalink
