Study sheds more light on brain's dopaminergic system

A novel dopaminergic system organoid model developed by Jurgen Knoblich's group at the Austrian Academy of Sciences offers insights into its operation and the long-term consequences of chronic cocaine exposure. The model mimics the structure, connection, and functionality of the dopaminergic system, shedding light on its function in reward and fine motor control, as well as its role in Parkinson's disease. The study demonstrates that chronic cocaine exposure has lasting effects on the dopaminergic circuit, even after abstinence. This organoid model could be used to improve cell therapies for Parkinson's disease and to study the long-term effects of dopaminergic overstimulation in a human-specific in vitro system.