Figure 1.

BDNF protein levels are increased in the mPFC after cocaine self-administration. A, A diagram depicting a coronal section of the rat brain at the level of the mPFC (3.20 mm anterior to bregma) (Paxinos and Watson, 1997). The mPFC dissection (shown in black) included the anterior cingulate, prelimbic, and infralimbic cortices. B, Western blot analysis revealed an increase in BDNF protein levels in mPFC. Densitometry results demonstrate a significant increase in BDNF levels in mPFC (saline, n = 4; cocaine, n = 4). C, Similarly, an ELISA demonstrated a significant increase in BDNF levels in the mPFC (saline, n = 4; cocaine, n = 4). IDV, Integrated density value. *p < 0.05, significant differences between saline and cocaine treatments (unpaired t tests,).