A single intra-PFC infusion of BDNF prevents cocaine-induced alterations in extracellular glutamate within the nucleus accumbens

J Neurosci. 2009 Mar 25;29(12):3715-9. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5457-08.2009.

Abstract

The glutamatergic pathway arising in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and projecting to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core is a critical component of the reward circuitry that underlies reinstatement to cocaine-seeking behavior. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is expressed by and modulates PFC-NAc neurons. BDNF infusion into the dmPFC attenuates reinstatement to cocaine-seeking behavior, as well as some cocaine-induced molecular adaptations within the NAc. In the present study, it is demonstrated that a single intra-dmPFC infusion of BDNF prevents cocaine self-administration-induced reduction in basal extracellular glutamate, as well as cocaine prime-induced increases in extracellular glutamate levels within the NAc. These data suggest that intra-PFC BDNF attenuates reinstatement to cocaine-seeking behavior by normalizing cocaine-induced neuroadaptations that alter glutamate neurotransmission within the NAc.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / pharmacology
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / physiology*
  • Cocaine / administration & dosage
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / metabolism*
  • Conditioning, Operant
  • Extinction, Psychological
  • Extracellular Space / metabolism*
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Nucleus Accumbens / metabolism*
  • Prefrontal Cortex / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Self Administration
  • Synaptic Transmission

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Glutamic Acid
  • Cocaine