NAcb AMPAR activation is implicated in many cocaine-seeking behaviors (Conrad et al., 2008; Cornish and Kalivas, 2000; Di Ciano and Everitt, 2001; Ping et al., 2008; Suto et al., 2004). In addition, a number of studies have suggested that NAcb AMPAR function is persistently elevated during abstinence from cocaine self-administration (Conrad et al., 2008; Famous et al., 2008) and during abstinence following repeated passive exposure to cocaine (Kourrich et al., 2007; Thomas et al., 2001). Thus, there is considerable interest in understanding the molecular basis for changes in NAcb AMPAR function, since this could facilitate the development of novel pharmacotherapies for psychostimulant addiction.
