Abstract
Abnormal dopamine (DA) transmission occurs in many pathological conditions, including drug addiction. Previously, we showed DA D2 receptor (D2R) activation results in pruning of the axonal arbour of DA neurones that innervate the dorsal striatum. Thus, we hypothesised that long-term D2R stimulation through drugs of addiction should cause arbour pruning of neurones that innervate the ventral striatum and thus reduce DA release and contribute to craving. If so, D2R blockade should return these arbours to normal size and may overcome craving. We show that long-term treatment with a D2R antagonist (haloperidol) reverses behavioural and anatomical effects of cocaine dependence in mice, including relapse. This change in arbour size reflects new synapse formation and our data suggest this must occur in the presence of increased DA activity to reverse cocaine-seeking behaviour. These findings hold significant implications for the understanding and treatment of cocaine addiction.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
