Short communicationCentral injections of noradrenaline induce reinstatement of cocaine seeking and increase c-fos mRNA expression in the extended amygdala

We recently reported that central injections of noradrenaline (NA) induce reinstatement of cocaine seeking in rats. Here, we replicate and extend our finding to an additional dose of NA and show that it is associated with the induction of c-fos mRNA expression (a marker of neuronal activation) in functionally relevant brain regions, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and central nucleus of the amygdala.

Research highlights▶ Central injections of NA induce reinstatement of cocaine seeking in rats. ▶ This reinstatement is associated with increased c-fos mRNA expression in CeA and BNST. ▶ The findings corroborate earlier findings of a role for NA in stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking.