ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the expression of discs large hom olog 4 (DLG4) protein in hippocam-pus, am ygdala and frontal cortex of rats and evaluate postsynaptic density in heroin dependence. Meth-ods The rat heroin dependent m odel was established by increasing intraperitoneal injection of heroin. DLG4 proteins in hippocam pus, am ygdala and frontal cortex of heroin dependent 9, 18, 36 days rats w ere detected with im munohistochem ical staining and com pared with that in the control group. Results DLG4 proteins in hippocam pus, am ygdala and frontal cortex w ere gradually reduced with extension of heroin dependent tim e. Conclusion Heroin dependence can affect postsynaptic density of hippocam pus, am ygdala and frontal cortex. The changes becom e m ore apparent with extension of heroin dependence tim e.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the protein expression of grow thassociated protein-43 (GAP-43) in mid-brain ventral tegmental area in morphine withdrawal rats at different time, and to evaluate the effect of GAP-43 on morphine withdrawal memory. Methods Rat models of morphine dependent 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks were established by morphine hydrochloride intraperitoneal injection with increasing doses to establish natural withdrawal. The protein expression of GAP-43 in midbrain ventral tegmental area was observed by im munohistochemical staining and the results were analyzed by Im age-Pro Plus 5.1 im-age analysis system . Results With prolongation of dependent time, the expression of GAP-43 was de-creased then increased in midbrain ventral tegmental area . Conclusion GAP-43 could play arole in morphine withdrawal memory in midbrain ventral tegmental area.