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 …

Critical periods are postnatal, restricted time windows of heightened plasticity in cortical
neural networks, during which experience refines principal neuron wiring configurations …

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

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

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

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 …

Background Dopamine neurotransmission plays a critical role in reward in drug abuse and
drug addiction. However, the role of dopamine in the recognition of drug-associated …

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 …