Dopamine receptor 1 on CaMKII-positive neurons within claustrum mediates adolescent cocaine exposure-induced anxiety-like behaviors and electro-acupuncture therapy.

ABSTRACT: Adolescent cocaine exposure (ACE) increases risk of developing psychiatric problems such as anxiety, which may drive relapse in later life, however, its underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Methods: ACE male mice model were established by exposing to cocaine during adolescent period. Elevated plus maze (EPM) were used to assess anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Within claustrum, local injection of SCH-23390, a specific antagonist for dopamine receptor 1 (D1R), or D1R knocking-down virus were used to regulate D1R function or expression on CaMKII-positive neurons (D1R^CaMKII) in vivo. Electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment was performed at acupoints of Baihui and Yintang during withdrawal period. Results: We found that ACE mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors, along with more activated CaMKII-positive neurons and increased D1R^CaMKII levels in claustrum during adulthood. Inhibiting D1R function or knocking-down D1R^CaMKII levels in claustrum efficiently reduced claustrum activation, and ultimately suppressed anxiety-like behaviors in ACE mice during adulthood. EA treatment alleviated ACE-evoked claustrum activation and anxiety-like behaviors by suppressing claustrum D1R^CaMKII. Conclusion: Our findings identified a novel role of claustrum in ACE-induced anxiety-like behaviors, and put new insight into the D1R^CaMKII in the claustrum. The claustrum D1R^CaMKII might be a promising pharmacological target, such as EA treatment, to treat drug-induced anxiety-like behaviors.

SUBMITTER: Chen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10283049 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature