The Role of Dorsal Hippocampal CB1 Receptors in the Reconsolidation of a Context-Response-Cocaine Memory in Rats

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  • March 19, 2019
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  • Presker, Mark
    • Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Abstract
  • Mark A. Presker Jr.: The Role of Dorsal Hippocampal CB1 Receptors in the Reconsolidation of a Context-Response-Cocaine Memory in Rats (Under the direction of Rita A. Fuchs-Lokensgard and Regina M. Carelli) Re-exposure to a cocaine-associated context induces relapse in humans and the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking in rats. This phenomenon is dependent on learned associations between a context and cocaine availability that persist and trigger recollection of the motivational properties cocaine. The theory of memory reconsolidation posits that, upon retrieval, memory traces become labile and must undergo memory reconsolidation to re-enter long-term memory. Therefore, disruption of memory reconsolidation can be used therapeutically to weaken a maladaptive memory. The reconsolidation of a context-cocaine memory is dependent on dorsal hippocampus (DH), a brain region in which cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors are densely expressed. CB1 receptors have been implicated in memory reconsolidation. Thus, stimulation of DH CB1 receptors may be necessary for context-cocaine memory reconsolidation. To test this hypothesis, rats were trained to self-administer cocaine in a distinct context then received extinction training in an alternate context. Rats were then briefly re-exposed to the cocaine-paired context followed by intra-DH infusions of either the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251, the CB1 receptor agonist CP55940, or DMSO vehicle solution. After additional extinction training, 72 hours following intra-DH drug administration, reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior was assessed in the cocaine-paired context. Intra-DH infusion of AM251 or CP55940 at the putative time of memory reconsolidation had no effect on subsequent context-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior. These findings do not support the hypothesis that DH CB1 receptors are involved in the reconsolidation of context-cocaine memories necessary for context-induced cocaine-seeking behavior.
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  • In Copyright
Advisor
  • Thiele, Todd
  • Lysle, Donald
  • Fuchs, Rita
  • Carelli, Regina
Degree
  • Master of Arts
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School
Graduation year
  • 2015
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  • Chapel Hill, NC
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  • June 23, 2015

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