Relapsing back to drug taking remains a significant problem among recovering addicts. As cues once associated with repeated drug administration can initiate drug craving during prolonged periods of abstinence, similar mechanisms of synaptic plasticity may underlie learning and addiction. We propose that associative learning correlates with synaptic plasticity in the glutamatergic system of the ventral pallidum (VP). We will consider this possibility by testing three hypotheses that form the Specific Aims of this grant. Hypothesis 1: The VP is sufficient and necessary for morphine-induced behaviors and requires excitatory amino acids. Studies for this Aim will soon be completed. Hypothesis 2: The AMPA/NMDA receptor ratio will be increased in rats that demonstrate morphine-induced associative learning. We will use whole-cell patch clamp to determine the respective contribution of each receptor type in VP neurons. Hypothesis 3: Glutamte. NMDA. and AMPA function is unregulated in VP neurons following morphine-associated place preference. We will measure action potentials of VP neurons following stimulation of the BLA excitatory input and determine if firing is modulated by microiontophoretic application of agonists and antagonists in the VP.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DA019783-03
Application #
7369801
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Babecki, Beth
Project Start
2006-03-07
Project End
2009-03-06
Budget Start
2008-03-07
Budget End
2009-03-06
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$24,328
Indirect Cost
Name
Loyola University Chicago
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
791277940
City
Maywood
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60153
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Napier, T Celeste; Herrold, Amy A; de Wit, Harriet (2013) Using conditioned place preference to identify relapse prevention medications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 37:2081-6
Rokosik, Sandra L; Persons, Amanda L; Napier, T Celeste (2013) Sensitization by ventral pallidal DAMGO: lack of cross-sensitization to morphine. Neuroreport 24:152-8
Herrold, Amy A; Persons, Amanda L; Napier, T Celeste (2013) Cellular distribution of AMPA receptor subunits and mGlu5 following acute and repeated administration of morphine or methamphetamine. J Neurochem 126:503-17
Voigt, Robin M; Mickiewicz, Amanda L; Napier, T Celeste (2011) Repeated mirtazapine nullifies the maintenance of previously established methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in rats. Behav Brain Res 225:91-6
Mickiewicz, Amanda L; Napier, T Celeste (2011) Repeated exposure to morphine alters surface expression of AMPA receptors in the rat medial prefrontal cortex. Eur J Neurosci 33:259-65
Mickiewicz, Amanda L; Dallimore, Jeanine E; Napier, T Celeste (2009) The ventral pallidum is critically involved in the development and expression of morphine-induced sensitization. Neuropsychopharmacology 34:874-86