Cocaine-induced changes in glutamate and GABA immunolabeling within rat habenula and nucleus accumbens.

摘要: We previously reported that subchronic administration of cocaine for 5 days via slow-release pellets results in pronounced degeneration the lateral habenula (LHB) and its primary efferent tract, fasciculus retroflexus [Ellison (1992): Brain Res 598:353–356; Ellison Switzer (1993): Neuroreport 5:17–20]. The receives both GABA glutamate afferents. In order to test hypothesis cocaine-induced may be related changes synaptic activity either or nerve terminals within LHB, density terminal immunolabeling neurotransmitter was quantified after chronic drug followed by 1 14 off drug. shell nucleus accumbens (NACs) also analyzed, since this area is thought associated with reward aspects addictive stimulant shown not fiber degeneration. found treatment resulted a significant decrease nerve-terminal located LHB animals taken days, while there no change immunolabeling. NACs, day but administration. There NACs following day-off period. These suggest are long-term effects seen synapses transitory. consistent inhibitory activity, leading increased excitatory influence on neurons, result neurotoxicity subsequent retroflexus. Synapse 30:211–220, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.