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To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

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Friday, May 29, 2009

Ventral Tegmental Area BDNF Induces an Opiate-Dependent–Like Reward State in Naïve Rats
Science Published Online May 28, 2009

We found that a single infusion of BDNF into the VTA promotes a shift from a dopamine-independent to a dopamine-dependent opiate reward system, identical to that seen when an opiate naïve rat becomes dependent and withdrawn. This shift involves a switch in the GABA-A receptors of VTA GABAergic neurons, from inhibitory to excitatory signaling.
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