Medial prefrontal cortex inversely regulates toluene-induced changes in markers of synaptic plasticity of mesolimbic dopamine neurons

• Published in: The Journal of neuroscience Vol. 33; no. 2; pp. 804 - 813
• Main Authors: Beckley, Jacob T, Evins, Caitlin E, Fedarovich, Hleb, Gilstrap, Meghin J, Woodward, John J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Society for Neuroscience 09.01.2013
• Subjects: Animals; Biomarkers; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Dopaminergic Neurons - drug effects; Dopaminergic Neurons - physiology; Electric Stimulation; Electrophysiological Phenomena; Limbic System - cytology; Limbic System - drug effects; Limbic System - physiology; Male; Microinjections; Neuronal Plasticity - drug effects; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; Prefrontal Cortex - cytology; Prefrontal Cortex - drug effects; Prefrontal Cortex - physiology; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reference Standards; Stereotaxic Techniques; Synapses - drug effects; Synapses - physiology; Toluene - pharmacology; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase - metabolism; Ventral Tegmental Area - cytology; Ventral Tegmental Area - drug effects; Ventral Tegmental Area - physiology

Toluene is a volatile solvent that is intentionally inhaled by children, adolescents, and adults for its intoxicating effects. Although voluntary use of toluene suggests that it possesses rewarding properties and abuse potential, it is unknown whether toluene alters excitatory synaptic transmission...