Inhibition of cAMP Responsive Element Binding Protein in Striatal Neurons Enhances Approach and Avoidance Responses toward Morphine- and Morphine Withdrawal-related Cues

To investigate the role of cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-dependent gene expression in morphine induced behaviors, we examined bitransgenic mice expressing a dominant and strong inhibitor of the CREB family of transcription factors, A-CREB, in striatal neurons in a regulatable manner. The expression of A-CREB in the striatum enhanced both morphine-induced conditioned place preference and morphine withdrawal-induced conditioned place avoidance. Our experiments thereby support a role for CREB in striatal neurons regulating approach and avoidance responses toward drug-related cues.