Nrxn3 upregulation in the globus pallidus of mice developing cocaine addiction

Dysfunctions affecting the connections of basal ganglia lead to major neurological and psychiatric disorders. We investigated levels of mRNA for three neurexins (Nrxn) and three neuroligins (Nlgn) in the globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, and substantia nigra, in control conditions and after short-term exposure to cocaine. The expression of Nrxn2beta and Nlgn3 in the substantia nigra and Nlgn1 in the subthalamic nucleus depended on genetic background. The development of short-term cocaine appetence induced an increase in Nrxn3beta expression in the globus pallidus. Human NRXN3 has recently been linked to several addictions. Thus, NRXN3 adhesion molecules may play an important role in the synaptic plasticity of neurons involved in the indirect pathways of basal ganglia, in which they regulate reward-related learning.