These studies will be extended to brain slices using two-photon microscopy. The hope is that reversing psychostimulant-induced plastic changes will provide new means to treat drug dependence and potentially offer insight into the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. GABA synapses formed in vitro by local axon collaterals of nucleus accumbens neurons. Amphetamine redistributes dopamine from synaptic vesicles to the cytosol and promotes reverse transport. Visualization of D1 dopamine receptors on living nucleus accumbens neurons and their colocalization with D2 receptors.
Dopamine neurons make glutamatergic synapses in vitro.