Behavioral and neurochemical assessment of the role of ERK pathway in the psychopharmacological effects of ethanol, caffeine and of their interaction

Abstract

The abundant expression of Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) in brain areas of addiction emphasizes the relevance of this kinase in modulating behavioral functions mediated by these circuits. Another biochemical factor involved in this process is Dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein Mr 32,000 kDa (DARPP-32), which regulates the activity and the phosphorylation state of ERK pathway. Thus, the general aim of the present doctoral thesis was to study the role of ERK in terms of protein kinase expression induced by ethanol, caffeine and their association, and its relationship with some behavioral responses in validated animal models of drug addiction such as the response to stimuli associated to their intrinsic properties and conditioned to the environment (place conditioning), or the psychomotor activation mediated by these substances.

La abundante expresión de Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) en áreas cerebrales de adicción enfatiza la relevancia de esta quinasa en la modulación de las funciones conductuales mediadas por estos circuitos. Otro factor involucrado en este proceso es Dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein Mr32,000kDa (DARPP-32), que regula la actividad y el estado de fosforilación de ERK.