Prodynorphin, proenkephalin and kappa opioid receptor mRNA responses to acute "binge" cocaine.

Previous studies showed that preprodynorphin (ppDyn) mRNA increases in caudate-putamen while kappa opioid receptor (KOR) mRNA decreases in substantia nigra after 3 and 14 days "binge" cocaine. To further characterize opioid mRNA responses, rats were administered: saline; 1 day cocaine followed by 1 day saline; 1 day cocaine; or 2 days cocaine. ppDyn mRNA in caudate-putamen increased in both groups receiving cocaine on the final day compared to groups receiving saline. Preproenkephalin (ppEnk) mRNA in caudate-putamen increased, and KOR mRNA in substantia nigra decreased, after 2 days of cocaine. Thus ppDyn mRNA is elevated acutely by cocaine, while ppEnk and KOR mRNAs show a significant response only on the second day of "binge" cocaine.