Acetylcholine signaling genes are required for cocaine-stimulated egg laying in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>

Abstract

AbstractThe toxicity and addictive liability associated with cocaine abuse are well-known. However, its mode of action is not completely understood, and effective pharmacotherapeutic interventions remain elusive. The cholinergic effects of cocaine on acetylcholine receptors, synthetic enzymes, and degradative enzymes have been the focus of relatively little empirical investigation. Due to its genetic tractability and anatomical simplicity, the egg laying circuit of the hermaphroditic nematode, Caenorhabditis elegansin vivoC. elegansin vivoC. elegansC. elegans