Brain Neuroplasticity and Drug Abuse Flashcards
what circuit is the main target for drugs of abuse
striatolimbic reward circuit
what are the 3 areas linked by the striatolimbic reward circuit
VTA, NAc and ventral pallidum
what are the NAc, VTA and ventral pallidum linked via
medial forebrain bundle
describe the striatolimbic reward circuit
- descending myelinated, glutamate driven from anterior bed nuclei to VTA
- ascending dopaminergic VTA to NAc
- GABA/substance P/ enkephalinergic from NAc to ventral pallidum
what do all addictive drugs do?
increase dopamine levels in the NAc
Cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy mechanism of increasing dopamine levels
inhibit dopamine reuptake in the NAc
how does nicotine increase dopamine levels in the NAc`
depolarizes VTA dopaminergic neurons
how do opioids, GHB, benzos, and cannqbinoids increase dopamine levels in the NAc
hyperpolaize VTA GABAergic interneurons
Where is the NAc located
basal forebrain striatim
where is VTA located
midbrain
where is the PFC llcated
frontal love, extends into medial regions
where is the hippocampus located
para-saggital plane, caudal amygdala
where is the locus coeruleus located
dorsal pons
where is the raphe nuclei located
dorsal medulla oblongata
what is the NAc
pleasure centre, motivation, cognitivie processing of aversion
where does the NAc have recipirocal projections to
VTA, hippo, amy PFC bg
what projections from the NAc are responsible for pleasure planning and inhibiton
bg, brainstem, PFC
which area is the interface between the limbic and motor systems
NAc
wHAT does the VTA do?
cognition, motivation, locomotor behavior
which area of the brain is the main driver of rewarding feelingd
VTA
which areas does the VTA have reciprocal projections to
NAc, amy, RN, PFC, basal gangglia
what is the PFC functions
self-awarenessm planning, problem solving, personality, social behavior
what projection expressed behaviors trained by chronic drug use?
PFC -> VTA + amygdala
reciprocal connections in the PFC are associated with
ateention action cognition
