The objective of the proposed studies is to investigate the role of NMDA receptors in the reinforcing effects of cocaine and the reinstatement of cocaine seeking behavior using a behavioral, pharmacological, and genetic approach. A mouse self-administration model is employed to assess cocaine self-administration behavior in mice with a deletion in the essential NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor (NR1-KD).
In Specific Aim I, cocaine self-administration behavior is assessed in NR1 mutant mice and wild-type littermate controls, Complete dose-effect functions for cocaine self-administration are generated on both fixed and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement to compare the potency and reinforcing efficacy of cocaine in NR1 mutant and wild-type mice.
Specific Aim II extends the findings of Specific Aim I and examines the role of NMDA receptors in cocaine relapse by assessing reinstatement of drug self-administration behavior in two models of human drug relapse: 1) following exposure to priming doses of cocaine or 2) following presentation of cues previously associated with cocaine administration in NR1 mutant mice and wild-type littermate controls. Collectively, the proposed studies will further our understanding of the role of glutamatergic mechanisms in the reinforcing effects of cocaine and reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior and may lead to new pharmacotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of drug dependence.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32DA019299-01
Application #
6885439
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Hoffman, Allison
Project Start
2005-01-01
Project End
2005-12-02
Budget Start
2005-01-01
Budget End
2005-12-02
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$40,056
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599