07 | Addiction Flashcards
The reward pathway is also known as ___. It is made up of…
- cortical limbic system pathway
2. VTA-NAc-FC
Major sources of DA in the brain
- VTA (reward)
2. SN (voluntary movement)
Effect of opioids on DA
inhibit GABA ⇒ ↓ inhibition of DA release ⇒ more DA
Effect of nicotine on DA
↑ dopaminergic innervation
Effect of cocaine, amphetamines on DA
↑ DA release, ↓ DAT ⇒ more dopaminergic innervation
Neuron composition of VTA
60% DA
40% GABA
DA on NAc has what effect?
reward & reinforcement
DA on PFC has what effect?
exclusive function (loss of control)
DA on hippocampus has what effect?
memory
DA on amygdala has what effect?
emotions
What 2 things are needed for withdrawal response?
- Stress
2. DA
What was the experimental procedure that determined the relationship between stress and reward pathways? What was the result?
double labelling + in situ hybridization
In drug users, neuroadaptation of VTA DA neurons lead them to express CRF
What happens to synaptic plasticity in drug addiction?
- Promote LTP of dopamine (reward) pathways
- Promote LTD of GABA (inhibitory) pathways
- Loss of synaptic plasticity in NAc → linked to inability to control drug intake
How does cocaine promote LTP in certain pathways? What is 1 short-term response?
↑ AMPA on VTA DA neurons⇒ stronger EPSP (LTP)
↑ dendritic spine density in VTA DA neurons ⇒ ↑ possibility of forming synapses (this is only for short-term response)
Cocaine-induced LTP can be blocked by…
MK-801 (NMDA blocker)
Which subunits of AMPA-R are not likely involved in LTP response to cocaine?
GluA1 and GluA2
What eventually stops the ↑ AMPA LTP response?
mGluR1 (Ro 67)
What is Ro 67?
mGluR1 activator
LTP response is _synaptic, while LTD is _synaptic
- pre
2. post
2 ways to induce LTD at VTA GABA-DA synapses
- LFS
2. Morphine
Mechanism used by LFS to cause LTD
decrease number and conductance of GABA(A)-R
Does LTD depend on NMDA-Rs?
No
Actions of morphine to cause LTD
- Prevent LFS-LTD
2. induces its own LTD (unclear)
Drugs that can induce LTD
nicotine, morphine, cocaine, alcohol
How can addictive behaviors be prevented (has to do with GABA)
increase GABA innervation
List 2 NMDA-R blockers
- MK-801
2. APV
What is the “switch” between addicted and non-addicted states?
BDNF