Post‐cocaine changes in regulator of G‐protein signaling (RGS) proteins in the dorsal striatum: Relevance for cocaine‐seeking and protein kinase C‐mediated phosphorylation

In conclusion, this study demonstrates persistent dysregulation of RGS proteins in the dSTR of abstinent cocaine animals that may produce an imbalance in local Gαq‐to‐Gαi signaling. This imbalance might be related to augmented PKC‐mediated phosphorylation during relapse to cocaine‐seeking. Future studies will address whether selective targeting of RGS proteins in the dSTR can be utilized to suppress PKC‐mediated phosphorylation and relapse to cocaine‐seeking. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Cocaine self‐administration followed by abstinence alters protein levels of G‐proteins and negative regulators of G‐protein signaling: RGS2/4 and 9 in the dorsal striatum. Re‐exposure to cocaine context (relapse test) augments PKC‐mediated phosphorylation in the same tissue. Possible imbalance in Gαq>Gαi signaling in the dorsal striatum might be related to relapse.

Source: Synapse - June 4, 2016 Category: Neurology Authors: Jenna Bilodeau, Marek Schwendt Tags: Research Article Source Type: research