Stress Induced Reinstatement of Cocaine Seeking Behaviors Versus Cocaine Induced Reinstatement

Running Head: STRESS-INDUCED REINSTATEMENT

Differences in the neural mechanisms of stress-induced and cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking behaviors

Emre Karatas

University of Pennsylvania

Abstract (CENTERRRRR)

Cocaine addiction is commonly characterized by numerous episodes of relapse and susceptibility to relapse remains one of the biggest issues in fighting addiction. If the neural mechanisms that underlie reinstatement of cocaine seeking behaviors can be understood, then there is a potential to develop effective interventions to prevent cocaine relapse. This literature review examines the separate neural mechanisms underlying stress-induced and cocaine induced reinstatement. This paper explains that similar brain areas are involved in these two pathways but modulation by the central extended amygdala (CeA) precedes limbic circuit activation in stress-induced reinstatement. Furthermore, norepinephrine (NE) inputs that interact with corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) pathways in the CeA are examined to further explain how specific mechanisms differ. The results of this review highlight the differences between these two pathways in an attempt to better understand the numerous factors that play a role in reinstatement of cocaine seeking behaviors.

Differences in the neural mechanisms of stress-induced and cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking behaviors

One of the biggest challenges in treating cocaine addiction is preventing reinstatement of cocaine seeking behaviors during recovery. Relapse can occur years after abstinence from drug administration and continues to be a main focus in the treatment of cocaine addiction (De Vries, Schoffelmeer , Binnekade & Vanderschuren, 1999). Cocaine produces a sense of euphoria by preventing the reuptake of dopamine in the brain and increasing the amount of dopamine available at the synapse. (De Vries et al., 1999). In human addicts and animal...