title: Prefrontal cortical BDNF: A regulatory key in cocaine- and food-reinforced behaviors.
abstract: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) affects synaptic plasticity and neural structure and plays key roles in learning and memory processes. Recent evidence also points to important, yet complex, roles for BDNF in rodent models of cocaine abuse and addiction. Here we examine the role of prefrontal cortical (PFC) BDNF in reward-related decision making and behavioral sensitivity to, and responding for, cocaine. We focus on BDNF within the medial and orbital PFC, its regulation by cocaine during early postnatal development and in adulthood, and how BDNF in turn influences responding for drug reinforcement, including in reinstatement models. When relevant, we draw comparisons and contrasts with experiments using natural (food) reinforcers. We also summarize findings supporting, or refuting, the possibility that BDNF in the medial and orbital PFC regulate the development and maintenance of stimulus-response habits. Further investigation could assist in the development of novel treatment approaches for cocaine use disorders.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
authors.forename: Elizabeth G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Pitts
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.
authors.forename: Jane R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States. Electronic address: shannon.l.gourley@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Shannon L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Gourley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D003042:Cocaine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003657:Decision Making / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012201:Reward
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D003042:Cocaine
keywords: Addiction; Goal-directed; Instrumental; Operant; Orbitofrontal; Prelimbic; Review