Fatty acid binding protein deletion prevents stress ‐induced preference for cocaine and dampens stress‐induced corticosterone levels

This study examined the effects of genetic deletion of FABP 5/7 on cocaine preference, as assessed by the Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) paradigm. Male and female wild type (WT) and FABP 5/7 KO mice showed similar acquisition of cocaine CPP, with no differences found in overall locomotor activity. In addition, while male and female WT mice showed stress‐induced CPP for cocaine, male and female FABP 5/7 KO mice failed to show a stress‐induced preference for the cocaine‐paired chamber. Additionally, serum corticosterone levels were analyzed to explore any potential differences in stress response that may be responsible for the lack of stress‐induced preference for cocaine. Serum samples were obtained in animals under basal conditions as well as following a 30‐min tube restraint stress. Male and female FABP 5/7 KO mice showed reduced corticosterone levels under stress compared to their WT counterparts. The reduction in corticosterone response under stress may mediate that lack of a stress‐induced preference for cocaine in the FABP 5/7 KO mice. Thus, the role of FABPs may play an important role in drug‐seeking behavior under stressful conditions. FABP did not have effects on acquisition of cocaine conditioned place preference. FABP 5/7 KO mice (unlike wild type mice) did not show stress‐induced reinstatement of cocaine place preference. This result may be attributed to a reduced stress corticosterone response in the FABP 5/7 KO mice.
Source: Synapse - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research