2008
Effects of galanin on cocaine-mediated conditioned place preference and ERK signaling in mice
Narasimhaiah R, Kamens HM, Picciotto MR. Effects of galanin on cocaine-mediated conditioned place preference and ERK signaling in mice. Psychopharmacology 2008, 204: 95-102. PMID: 19099295, PMCID: PMC2872184, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1438-7.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsVentral tegmental areaEffects of galaninNucleus accumbensNeuropeptide galaninPlace preferenceThreshold doseEffects of morphineMesolimbic dopamine systemMesolimbic dopaminergic pathwaySystemic cocaine injectionPlace preference paradigmCocaine-induced activationDrugs of abuseAmphetamine reinforcementWild-type controlsExtracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activityTegmental areaCocaine injectionCocaine responseDopaminergic pathwaysConclusionsThese dataGalaninRewarding effectsDopamine systemDrug reinforcement
2006
Inhibition of both α7* and β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is necessary to prevent development of sensitization to cocaine-elicited increases in extracellular dopamine levels in the ventral striatum
Zanetti L, de Kerchove D’Exaerde A, Zanardi A, Changeux JP, Picciotto MR, Zoli M. Inhibition of both α7* and β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is necessary to prevent development of sensitization to cocaine-elicited increases in extracellular dopamine levels in the ventral striatum. Psychopharmacology 2006, 187: 181-188. PMID: 16826402, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0419-y.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsExtracellular dopamine levelsDevelopment of sensitizationWild-type miceDopamine levelsVentral striatumCocaine-elicited increasesExtracellular DA levelsAdministration of cocaineDihydro-β-erythroidineAbility of cocaineNicotinic acetylcholine receptorsNicotine treatmentDA levelsNicotinic antagonistsRationaleSeveral studiesNeurochemical responsesConclusionsThese dataObjectivesThe current studySpecific antagonistNAChR blockadeAcetylcholine receptorsElicit increasesStriatumMiceSensitization