Working memory and salivary brain ‐derived neurotrophic factor as developmental predictors of cocaine seeking in male and female rats

In conclusion, poor working memory and low salivary BDNF in juvenile male rats may represent biomarkers for later cocaine use. Further research is needed to identify biomarkers for risk in male rats. Lifelong risk for drug abuse is highest in individuals who initiate use in adolescence. Early identification of drug use risk is therefore critical. We find that in male rats, poor juvenile working memory and low salivary brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are associated with elevated cocaine seeking in adolescence and adulthood. In female rats, only working memory is associated with later cocaine seeking. These findings suggest working memory and salivary BDNF may represent biomarkers for later cocaine abuse, although further research is needed in female rats.
Source: Addiction Biology - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research