Divergent anatomical pattern of D-3 binding and DARPP-32 mRNA expression in the Roman strains: implications for vulnerability to drug addiction: Implications for drug addiction

M. Guitart-Masip, B. Johansson, A. Fernández-Teruel, T. Cañete, A. Tobeña, L. Terenius, L. Giménez-Llort*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Autoradiography analysis of D1, D2 and D3 dopamine receptors and in situ hybridization analysis of mRNA for dopamine and cAMP regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa (DARPP-32) were performed in brains of naïve Roman high avoidance (RHA) and Roman low avoidance (RLA) inbred rats. These strains, genetically selected for high (RHA) or extremely low (RLA) active avoidance acquisition in the two-way shuttle box, differ in indices of dopaminergic activity along with sensation/novelty and substance-seeking behavioral profiles. The present study shows no differences in D2 receptor binding between the two strains. In contrast, the D1 and D3 receptor binding in the nucleus accumbens was higher in RHA-I rats, whereas RLA-I rats show higher D3 binding in the Calleja islands. Together with previous evidence showing behavioral and presynaptic differences related to the dopamine system, the present results suggest a higher dopaminergic tone at the nucleus accumbens shell in RHA-I rats. Besides, the comparison of the expression pattern of DARPP-32 mRNA with that of dopamine receptor binding revealed a mismatch in some amygdala nuclei. In some cortical structures (prelimbic and cingulate cortices, the dentate gyrus) as well as in the central amygdala, RHA-I rats showed higher DARPP-32 mRNA expression than RLA-I rats. Hence, RHA-I and RLA-I rats may be a useful tool to identify dopamine-related mechanisms that predispose to drug and alcohol dependence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1231-1243
Number of pages13
JournalNeuroscience
Volume142
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Nov 2006

Keywords

  • addiction
  • amygdala
  • dopamine receptors subtypes
  • nucleus accumbens
  • rodent models

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