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Abused drugs modulate RGS4 mRNA levels in rat brain: comparison between acute drug treatment and a drug challenge after chronic treatment. Neurobiol Dis 2002 Aug;10(3):334-43

Date

09/25/2002

Pubmed ID

12270694

DOI

10.1006/nbdi.2002.0518

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0036403890 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   55 Citations

Abstract

While different classes of abused drugs interact with distinct signaling substrates, it appears that all utilize receptors in the mesolimbic dopamine system to mediate their reinforcing effects. The regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) proteins modulate G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling by increasing the rate of GTP hydrolysis of G proteins. This study was undertaken to determine whether morphine, cocaine, or amphetamine would modulate RGS4 mRNA levels in relevant brain regions. Acute administration of morphine and cocaine decreased levels of RGS4 mRNA in the reticulotegmental pontine nucleus (RtTg) and locus coeruleus (LC). Increases in RGS 4 mRNA levels were observed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dorsal central gray (CGD). Acute drug challenge after chronic drug administration increased RGS4 mRNA in the CGD and decreased RGS4 levels in the red nucleus and RtTg. Interestingly, the LC exhibited biphasic modulation, with decreased RGS4 mRNA levels after acute administration and increased levels after chronic administration. These findings indicate that RGS4 mRNA levels are modulated in a similar manner by different drugs of abuse and imply that a common substrate could mediate some effects of abused drugs.

Author List

Bishop GB, Cullinan WE, Curran E, Gutstein HB

Author

William E. Cullinan PhD Adjunct Associate Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Animals
Brain
Male
RNA, Messenger
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley