ROLE OF TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR NPAS4 IN DRUG DEPENDENCE

已有研究表明，依赖活性的突触可塑性和中脑边缘多巴胺能系统的重塑在药物依赖的发生发展中起着关键作用。我们之前曾报道，Npas4mRNA水平的降低可能有助于社交孤立或限制压力导致的记忆和情绪行为的损害。在本研究中，我们研究了NPAS4在药物依赖中的病理生理作用。我们的结果表明，Npas4在神经元的结构和功能可塑性中起着重要作用。此外，我们假设反复服用甲基苯丙胺会增加Npas4在海马区的表达水平。

It has been proposed that activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and remodeling of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system play a crucial role in the development of drug dependence. We previously reported that reduced Npas4 mRNA levels might contribute to impairments in memory and emotional behaviors induced by social isolation or restriction stress. In this study,we investigated pathophysiological role of NPAS4 in the drug dependence. Our results suggest that Npas4 plays an important role in the structural and functional plasticity of neurons. In addition, we assume that repeated administration of methamphetamine increases the expression levels of Npas4 in the hippocampus.