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Related Experiment Videos

Repeated cocaine injections decrease the function of striatal gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) receptors

J Peris1

  • 1Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.

The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
|March 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Cocaine use decreases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor function in the striatum, potentially contributing to behavioral changes. This GABA(A) receptor impairment correlates with the level of cocaine sensitization observed in rats.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Neurobiology

Background:

  • Behavioral sensitization to cocaine is often linked to dopamine system alterations.
  • The role of other neurotransmitter systems, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in cocaine-induced behaviors is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of chronic cocaine administration on GABA(A) receptor function in specific brain regions.
  • To determine if changes in GABA(A) receptor activity correlate with the development of behavioral sensitization to cocaine.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed GABA-stimulated chloride (36Cl) uptake in striatal microsacs from male and female rats after daily cocaine injections.
  • Compared GABA uptake in striatum, cortex, and substantia nigra.
  • Evaluated acute effects of cocaine in vitro and in vivo on GABA uptake.

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Main Results:

  • Cocaine treatment significantly decreased GABA-stimulated 36Cl uptake in striatal microsacs.
  • The reduction in GABA(A) receptor function was proportional to the degree of behavioral sensitization.
  • No significant effects on GABA uptake were observed in the cortex or substantia nigra, or on basal uptake.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic cocaine exposure selectively impairs GABA(A) receptor function in the striatum.
  • This functional decrease in GABA(A) receptors may play a role in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization.