Synaptic plasticity and drug addiction.

摘要: Recent studies have suggested that the development of addictive behaviours shares common features with traditional learning models. Synaptic plasticity, a possible substrate for learning, has been demonstrated in neural reward circuits and might contribute to behaviours. Changes strength synaptic connections investigated dopaminergic cells ventral tegmental area response several drugs. Rapid persistent forms plasticity (specifically, long-lasting potentiation) accompany some behavioural effects We hypothesize drug-induced play role reward-related addiction by modifying fine tuning cell firing.