The last two decades have witnessed substantial advances in identifying synaptic plasticity
responsible for behavioral changes in animal models of substance use disorder. We have …

Synaptic plasticity contributes to behavioral adaptations. As a key node in the reward
pathway, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is important for determining motivation-to-action …

Background Synaptogenesis is essential in forming new neurocircuits during development,
and this is mediated in part by astrocyte-released thrombospondins (TSPs) and activation of …

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) regulates reward-motivated behavior, but the temporal
dynamics of NAc neurons that enable “free-willed” animals to obtain rewards remain elusive …

After drug withdrawal, a key factor triggering relapse is progressively intensified cue-
associated drug craving, termed incubation of drug craving. After withdrawal from cocaine …

During withdrawal from cocaine, calcium permeable-AMPA receptors (CP-AMPAR)
progressively accumulate in nucleus accumbens (NAc) synapses, a phenomenon linked to …

Pain experience can change the central processing of nociceptive inputs, resulting in
persistent allodynia and hyperalgesia. However, the underlying circuit mechanisms remain …

Natural rewards, such as food, and sex are appetitive stimuli available for animals in their
natural environment. Similarly, addictive rewards such as drugs of abuse possess strong …

Cocaine use and abstinence induce long-term synaptic alterations in the excitatory input to
nucleus accumbens (NAc) medium spiny neurons (MSNs). The NAc regulates reward …

In the United States, amid the opioid overdose epidemic, nonaddicting/nonpharmacological
proven strategies are available to treat pain and manage chronic pain effectively without …