Cocaine withdrawal enhances subthalamic reward sensitivity

Williams, M.; Vielle, C.; de Peretti, J.-L.; Tiran-Cappello, A.; Melon, C.; Awada, A.; Pelloux, Y.; Maurice, N.; BAUNEZ, C.; Degoulet, M.

doi:10.1101/2025.06.10.658581

bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.06.10.658581

Cocaine withdrawal enhances subthalamic reward sensitivity

Williams, M.·Vielle, C.·de Peretti, J.-L.·Tiran-Cappello, A.·Melon, C.·Awada, A.·Pelloux, Y.·Maurice, N.·BAUNEZ, C.·Degoulet, M.

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Abstract

High-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has shown therapeutic potential in preclinical models of addiction. However, its rewarding properties remain unclear. Here, we show that cocaine withdrawal enhances STN intracranial self-stimulation, revealing a reward-based mechanism that may contribute to the beneficial effects of STN deep brain stimulation in addiction and related neuropsychiatric disorders.

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Williams, M., Vielle, C., de Peretti, J.-L., Tiran-Cappello, A., Melon, C., Awada, A., Pelloux, Y., Maurice, N., BAUNEZ, C., Degoulet, M.. 2025-06-14. Cocaine withdrawal enhances subthalamic reward sensitivity. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.10.658581

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