Intermittent Cocaine Self‐Administration Reduces H‐current In Putative Dopaminergic Neurons of The Ventral Tegmental Area

Cocaine use produces different effects in the Mesocorticolimbic System (MCL) depending on temporal pattern which they are consumed. The Intermittent Access (IntA) cocaine self-administration is a protocol that better simulates human behavior due to intermittent of drug administration. Unlike Long (LgA) self-administration, generates tolerance, IntA, psychomotor, incentive, and neural sensitization MCL. Dopamine (DA) neurons display prominent mixed cation current conductance known as hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide current, or Ih, contributes processes such resting membrane potential, firing frequency modulation, synaptic transmission. Since experimenter administered alters intrinsic properties DA from ventral tegmental area (VTA), we asked if this system after exposure IntA includes these alterations neurons. Using whole-cell patch-clamp technique brain slices, investigated Ih neuronal excitability. Hyperpolarizing injections followed by sudden depolarizing steps were used analyze rebound excitation. Increasing evaluate how respond stimulus. Our preliminary results demonstrate significant amplitude reduction (P<0.05) an increase number action potentials. Additionally, step showed potentials (APs)(P<0.05). These suggest modulation present both models sensitize Such APs may be considered one plasticity changes development addiction. In addition, incentive-sensitization view addiction states drug-seeking taking produced hyper-responsive could also involve modifications. Therefore, conclude part homeostatic mechanism response system.