Extracellular signal-regulated kinase in the basolateral amygdala is required for reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory

oleh: Haoyu Li, Haoyu Li, Haoyu Li, Ting Hu, Ting Hu, Ting Hu, Yanghui Zhang, Zijin Zhao, Zijin Zhao, Zijin Zhao, Qing Liu, Qing Liu, Qing Liu, Zihua Chen, Zihua Chen, Si Chen, Si Chen, Si Chen

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Frontiers Media S.A. 2022-11-01

Deskripsi

Reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory is an independent memory process that occurs following retrieval, which is essential for the sustained capacity of an associative drug stimulus to precipitate heroin-seeking. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) mediates the reconsolidation of drug memory. In the present study, we utilized a rat model of drug craving and relapse to verify the hypothesis that the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory requires ERK in an instrumental heroin-seeking behavior, focusing on the BLA brain region, which is crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory processes. We found that bilateral intra-BLA infusions of U0126 (1 μg/0.5 μl), an ERK inhibitor, immediately after retrieving heroin-associated memory significantly reduced cue-induced and drug-induced reinstatement and spontaneous recovery of heroin-seeking compared to the vehicle. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect was related to the characteristic of reconsolidation. Conversely, no effect was observed on the heroin-seeking behavior when the intra-BLA infusion of U0126 was administered 6 h after the heroin-associated memory retrieval or without memory retrieval. Together, these data suggest that disrupting the reconsolidation of heroin-associated memory via an ERK inhibitor may serve as a promising option for treating relapse in opiate addicts.