Ventral Tegmental Area BDNF Induces an Opiate-Dependent-Like Reward State in Naïve Rats
Abstract
The neural mechanisms underlying the transition from a drug-nondependent to a drug-dependent state remain elusive. Chronic exposure to drugs has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons. BDNF infusions into the VTA potentiate several behavioral effects of drugs, including psychomotor sensitization and cue-induced drug seeking. We found that a single infusion of BDNF into the VTA promotes a shift from a dopamine-independent to a dopamine-dependent opiate reward system, identical to that seen when an opiate-naïve rat becomes dependent and withdrawn. This shift involves a switch in the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors of VTA GABAergic neurons, from inhibitory to excitatory signaling.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- June 2009
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.1168501
- Bibcode:
- 2009Sci...324.1732V
- Keywords:
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- NEUROSCIENCE