S.07.04 Gender differences in the 5-HT1A receptor and serotonin transporter in the human brain: a PET study

Abstract

significantly (p< 0.05) higher than those receiving shamstimulation. On the other hand, the ICES treatment of the PFC significantly decreased the distance traveled in cocaine-pretreated rats to a level closer to saline shamstimulated rats (P< 0.05). In some sub-regions of the VTA and the NAc, ICES treatment reversed the altered levels of GluR1 and NMDAR1 receptor subtypes mediated by repeated cocaine. For example, repeated cocaine up-regulated GluR1 levels in the anterior VTA (cocaine effect, p< 0.05), while ICES treatment of the LH down-regulated GluR1 levels in this region (LH-stimulation effect, p< 0.05), normalizing it to levels measured in saline-treated animals. Conclusion: Cocaine but not natural reward associated behavior was affected by ICES treatment. ICES treatment of the LH sensitized the response to cocaine after repeated exposure to the drug. On the other hand, ICES treatment of the PFC caused rats to work less for cocaine and desensitized the response to a cocaine challenge. Furthermore, ICES of the LH or the PFC reduced cocaineseeking behavior in a drug-free self-administration test. These effects might be mediated by reversing some of the neural adaptations in the reward system such as alterations in NMDAR1 and GluR1, which are induced by chronic cocaine exposure. Hence, we suggest a non-pharmacologic potential treatment for addiction using ICES.