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  • Synaptic plasticity mediating cocaine relapse requires matrix metalloproteinases.

Synaptic plasticity mediating cocaine relapse requires matrix metalloproteinases.

Nature neuroscience (2014-10-20)
Alexander C W Smith, Yonatan M Kupchik, Michael D Scofield, Cassandra D Gipson, Armina Wiggins, Charles A Thomas, Peter W Kalivas
ABSTRACT

Relapse to cocaine use necessitates remodeling excitatory synapses in the nucleus accumbens and synaptic reorganization requires matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) degradation of the extracellular matrix proteins. We found enduring increases in MMP-2 activity in rats after withdrawal from self-administered cocaine and transient increases in MMP-9 during cue-induced cocaine relapse. Cue-induced heroin and nicotine relapse increased MMP activity, and increased MMP activity was required for both cocaine relapse and relapse-associated synaptic plasticity.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Cocaine free base
Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-MMP-9 Antibody, NT, from rabbit, purified by affinity chromatography
Sigma-Aldrich
Cocaine hydrochloride
Supelco
Cocaine hydrochloride solution, 1.0 mg/mL in methanol, analytical standard, for drug analysis
Supelco
Cocaine solution, 1.0 mg/mL in acetonitrile, ampule of 1 mL, certified reference material, Cerilliant®