Effects of acute cocaine on ERK and DARPP-32 phosphorylation pathways in the caudate-putamen of Fischer rats

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) pathways has been implicated in biochemical and behavioral effects induced by various drugs of abuse. In this study, we investigated the phosphorylation pathways of these two proteins in response to acute cocaine administration. A single cocaine administration (30 mg/kg) increased ERK-mediated signaling proteins, phosphoryation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) kinase, pp90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), and c-Fos protein levels in the caudate/putamen of Fischer rats. Acute cocaine administration also induced phosphorylation of the striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) and decreased the phosphorylation of DARPP-32 protein at the Thr-75 site. The phosphorylation states of these inhibitors of ERK and DARPP-32 proteins may thus contribute to the effects of cocaine on ERK- and DARPP-32-mediated cascades, on gene expression and on behaviors.