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Ventral tegmental area BDNF induces an opiate-dependent-like reward state in naive 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to a dopamine-dependent opiate reward system, identical to that seen when an opiate-naïve rat becomes dependent and withdrawn.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 gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors of VTA GABAergic neurons, from inhibitory to excitatory signaling.

SUBMITTER: Vargas-Perez H

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2913611 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Ventral tegmental area BDNF induces an opiate-dependent-like reward state in naive rats.

Vargas-Perez Hector H Ting-A Kee Ryan R Walton Christine H CH Hansen D Micah DM Razavi Rozita R Clarke Laura L Bufalino Mary Rose MR Allison David W DW Steffensen Scott C SC van der Kooy Derek D

Science (New York, N.Y.) 20090528 5935

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 ...[more]

PMID: 19478142

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