Neuroscience 2003 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 321.13 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Enhanced neural activity following repeated cocaine in female rats: mapping of estrogen-‘sensitive’ circuits using functional MRI. |
| Authors: |
Febo, M.*1,2,3
; Messenger, T. L.1,2
; Segarra, A. C.3
; Ferris, C. F.1,2
1Ctr. Comp NeuroImaging (CCNI), Univ. of Massachusetts Med. Sch, Worcester, MA 2Psychiatry Dept, Univ. of Massachusetts Med. Sch, Worcester, MA 3Puerto Rico, 55 Lake Ave N, 01655, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neurological and Psychiatric Conditions - Addiction and Drugs of Abuse -- Cocaine |
| Session: |
321. Addiction and Drugs of Abuse: Cocaine II Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Sunday, November 9, 2003 1:00 PM-2:00 PM |
| Location: | Morial Convention Center - Hall F-I, Board # VV14 |
| Keywords: | COCAINE, FMRI, ESTROGEN, SENSITIZATION |
Estrogen has been reported to enhance cocaine sensitization in the female rat, suggesting that brain circuits mediating the rewarding and addictive properties of cocaine are affected by the gonadal steroid. The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the effect of repeated cocaine administration on blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes in fully conscious female rats without and with estrogen. Rats were ovariectomized and given subcutaneous Silastic implants without (OVX) or with estradiol benzoate (OVX+EB). Upon recovery, rats were given an i.p. cocaine injection (1 mg/kg) on 7 consecutive days. Functional MRI was performed during injections on days 1 and 7. MR Images were acquired using a 4.7T/40-cm (Oxford magnet Technology, Oxford, UK) horizontal magnet interfaced to a Paravision console (Bruker Medical Instruments, MA, USA). Anatomical data sets were acquired using a fast spin echo (RARE) sequence, (TR=2.5s; TE=56ms; field of view= 3.5x3.5cm; data matrix=256x256; slice thickness=1.5 mm; number of slices=18). Functional images were acquired using a spin echo (RARE) sequence, (TR=2400ms; TE=8ms; FOV=3.5x3.5cm; matrix=64x64; slice thickness=1.5 mm; number of slices=18). Repeated cocaine produced significant increases in BOLD signal intensity in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, cerebellum and ventral tegmental area in OVX and OVX+EB rats. Changes in BOLD signal intensity were greatest in the cerebellum of OVX+EB females, indicating enhanced cerebellar activity in response to cocaine. Our results show increased activation of the reward system in cocaine sensitized animals, and indicate that estrogen alters neural activity in the cerebellum.
Supported by NIH NIDA Grant 5RO1DA13517 to CF Ferris.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2003 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. New Orleans, LA: Society for Neuroscience, 2003. Online.
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