Effects of Medial Prefrontal Cortex-Laterodorsal Tegmental Nucleus Projection Inhibition on Cocaine-Induced Sensitization

Drugs of abuse have the ability to induce sensitization - an increase in drug-induced activation of
dopamine neurotransmission in a forebrain called the nucleus accumbens. Changes in glutamate
signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical for the development of sensitization.
We have previously identified laterodorsal tegmental nucleus glutamatergic (LDTg) inputs to the
VTA as necessary for the development of sensitization. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has
been shown to be necessary for the development of sensitization and projects to the LDTg. In
this research, optogenetics was used to inhibit mPFC inputs to the LDTg during cocaine
exposure in mice.