Differential activation of cAMP response element binding protein in discrete nucleus accumbens subregions during early and late cocaine sensitization.

Full Abstract

The present study examined the differential cocaine-induced activation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) throughout discrete zones of analysis of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in rats. CREB-dependent gene transcription, which may underlie long-lasting drug-induced changes in behavior and the subjective effects of cocaine, varies depending on the stage of drug exposure or withdrawal and the cell population involved. Using immunohistochemistry, the authors analyzed changes in CREB phosphorylation in the NAc after 5 days of cocaine, a short or long drug-free period, and a subsequent challenge injection. The NAc shell was separated into 5 zones of analysis previously defined by neurochemistry and connectivity. Repeated cocaine resulted in CREB phosphorylation in all analyzed subregions of the NAc excluding the most ventrolateral region of the shell 2 weeks after cessation of repeated cocaine, but rats challenged after 2 drug-free days yielded a more localized activation of CREB in the 3 most dorsomedial zones of the shell. The temporal and anatomical determinants of cocaine-induced CREB activity may indicate functional differences among NAc shell subregions and suggest the involvement of CREB in early and late cocaine effects.Copyright (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved.

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Author information

Author/s: Brenhouse, Heather C (HC); Howe, Mariko L (ML); Stellar, James R (JR);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, USA. hbrenhouse(-atsign-)mclean.harvard.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Behavioral neuroscience (Behav Neurosci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Feb; vol 121 (issue 1) : pp 212-7

Dates: Created 2007/02/27; Completed 2007/04/05;

PMID: 17324065, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Analysis of Variance
Animals
Behavior, Animal - drug effects
Cocaine - administration & dosage
Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein - metabolism
Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors - administration & dosage
Enzyme Activation - drug effects

Enzyme Activation - drug effects
Immunohistochemistry
Male
Nucleus Accumbens - anatomy & histology; drug effects; metabolism
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Time Factors

Associated Chemicals: Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein (0) ; Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors (0) ; Cocaine (50-36-2)

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