Activation of D1-like dopamine receptors is involved in the impairment of spatial memory in the offspring of morphine-abstinent rats.

Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in the formation and maintenance of memory as well as addiction. In this study, we examined the role of D1-like dopamine receptor (D1 DR) on spatial memory in the offspring of morphine-abstinent rats. Adult male and female rats received morphine orally for 21 days and were drug-free for ten days.

Possible involvement of nucleus accumbens D1-like dopamine receptors in the morphine-induced condition place preference in the offspring of morphine abstinent rats.

Aims: Previous researches demonstrated that genetics and environment are two essential factors to prone individuals to drug abuse. Our previous data showed that dopaminergic system changed in the offspring of morphine-abstinent rats. In the present study, we evaluated whether blocking the D1-like dopamine receptors (DR) in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) affect the rewarding effect of morphine in the offspring of morphine-abstinent rats.