The primary goal of the application is to examine changes in synaptic activity that occur during withdrawal and following cocaine primed reinstatement, and seeks to provide further insight into molecular and cellular alterations that underlie addiction. The studies outlined within the application will use electrophysiology to examine our hypotheses. Specifically, Aim 1 will characterize the physiological response of populations of neurons in the nucleus accumbens to prefrontal cortical stimulation. The goal of Aim 2 is to determine the role of cystine/glutamate exchange and group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in mediating synaptic transmission during withdrawal and following a cocaine priming injection. Rats will be trained to self administer cocaine and undergo a 14-21 day withdrawal period. A different group of rats will act yoked saline controls. At the end of the withdrawal period, mPFC glutamatergic efferents will be stimulated and field recordings measured in the core of the nucleus accumbens.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DA018459-02
Application #
7072704
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Babecki, Beth
Project Start
2005-05-01
Project End
2006-07-31
Budget Start
2006-05-01
Budget End
2006-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$7,901
Indirect Cost
Name
Medical University of South Carolina
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
183710748
City
Charleston
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29425