Transcriptional profiles of psychostimulant reinforcement in rats

Drug-induced alterations in transcriptional regulation play a central role in establishing the persistent neuroplasticities that occur during drug addiction. Additionally, changes in gene expression associated with drug administration provide valuable insight into the molecular basis of drug abuse. The molecular mechanisms that underlie susceptibility to psychostimulant addiction remain unknown. Identifying the common gene transcriptional responses to psychostimulants can provide a mechanistic insight to elucidate the molecular nature of drug dependence.