A major problem of cocaine addiction is the high risk of relapse even after years of abstinence. A drug-related environment can be enough to induce relapse. The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system in the brain is known to be affected by most drugs of abuse. In particular, DA levels in specific regions of this system are related to reinforcement of cocaine use. However, little is known about the role of DA-related neuropeptides, such as neurotensin (NT) and dynorphin (Dyn), in mediating cocaine effects. The long-term goal of the proposed research project is to understand specific molecular aspects of cocaine addiction. Rats, as the animal model, will be trained to self-administer cocaine based on a cocaine-seeking behavior paradigm. Reinstatement of that behavior will be environmentally induced after a period of extinction.
The specific aim i s to characterize the role of NT and Dyn in the reinstatement of environmentally induced cocaine-seeking behavior. Understanding the effects of cocaine in these neurotransmitter systems and the roles of some of its components in environmentally-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking behavior will provide new insights into the mechanisms of action of cocaine, the role of the environment in relapse, and will be very useful in the design of new and effective therapeutical approaches. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31DA019418-02
Application #
7010331
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-DIG-B (29))
Program Officer
Babecki, Beth
Project Start
2005-02-01
Project End
2008-01-31
Budget Start
2006-02-01
Budget End
2007-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$23,522
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
143960193
City
San Juan
State
PR
Country
United States
Zip Code
00931