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Using Optogenetics to Reverse Neuroplasticity and Inhibit Cocaine Seeking in Rats
Published on: October 5, 2021
Reduced cocaine-seeking behavior in heterozygous BDNF knockout rats
Robyn St Laurent1, Samuel R Helm, Melissa J Glenn
1Department of Psychology, Colby College, Waterville, ME 04901, USA.
Neuroscience Letters
|April 16, 2013
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a key role in cocaine addiction. Lowering BDNF levels in rats reduced cocaine-seeking behavior, suggesting BDNF influences addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cocaine addiction involves long-lasting changes in the brain's reward pathway.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in mediating these neuroadaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of BDNF in cocaine reward and seeking behavior.
- To test the hypothesis that partial BDNF gene knockout attenuates cocaine's rewarding effects.
Main Methods:
- Used a genetic rat model with a partial knockout of the BDNF gene (BDNF(+/-)).
- Assessed cocaine-seeking behavior using conditioned place preference (CPP) and drug priming.
- Measured BDNF levels in serum prior to behavioral experiments.
Main Results:
- Wildtype rats showed significant cocaine-seeking behavior and reinstatement after abstinence.
- BDNF(+/-) rats exhibited significantly reduced cocaine-seeking behavior and no response to drug priming.
- Higher serum BDNF levels in wildtype rats correlated with stronger CPP and reinstatement responses.
Conclusions:
- Partial knockout of the BDNF gene attenuates the rewarding effects of cocaine.
- Individual differences in BDNF levels may predict susceptibility to cocaine-seeking behavior.
- Reduced synaptic plasticity in the reward pathway may underlie BDNF's effect on cocaine reward.
