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Caught in the Net: Perineuronal Nets and Addiction
Megan Slaker1, Jordan M Blacktop1, Barbara A Sorg1
1Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA.
Neural Plasticity
|February 24, 2016
Summary
Drugs of abuse alter brain plasticity and memory, contributing to addiction. This review examines how drugs affect perineuronal nets (PNNs), crucial for brain circuitry involved in reward and motivation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology of Addiction
- Extracellular Matrix Research
Background:
- Drugs of abuse induce brain plasticity and persistent memories, driving addiction.
- Research has focused on neuronal and glial cells, but the extracellular matrix (ECM) is increasingly recognized for its role.
- Perineuronal nets (PNNs), a specialized ECM structure, ensheath specific neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of drug exposure on perineuronal nets (PNNs).
- To explore molecules regulating PNNs in the context of drug addiction.
- To examine PNN expression in brain circuits related to motivation, reward, and reinforcement.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on drug abuse and PNNs.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating PNNs.
- Examination of PNNs in addiction-related brain circuitry.
Main Results:
- Drug exposure alters PNN structure and function.
- Specific molecules regulating PNNs are implicated in drug-induced plasticity.
- Changes in PNNs are observed in brain regions critical for reward and motivation.
Conclusions:
- Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are significantly affected by drugs of abuse.
- Modulating PNNs may offer novel therapeutic strategies for addiction.
- Understanding PNNs' role in addiction circuitry is crucial for developing effective treatments.
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