Effects of cocaine on prepulse inhibition of the startle response

Introduction. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response is an index used to evaluate how the pre-attention system works. PPI is altered in patients with a mental disorder such as schizophrenia and in subjects who are vulnerable to it. Likewise, cocaine users also frequently exhibit psychiatric disorders as schizophrenia. Aim. To know the alterations that cocaine produces on PPI. Development. A comprehensive review is carried out, covering both clinical and preclinical studies with animal models that have evaluated the effects of cocaine exposure on the PPI paradigm. Underlying neural bases and mechanisms of action are suggested to explain these findings. Conclusions. Cocaine alters PPI through its action on the dopaminergic system. Acute exposure of cocaine decreases PPI by increasing dopamine, while with chronic use, depending on withdrawal time, PPI can be restored. However, the effects of cocaine on PPI appear to depend on the baseline levels of PPI shown by the individual. Thus, since a deficit in PPI has been associated with a greater vulnerability to developing mental pathologies such as schizophrenia, PPI level in subjects could be considered as a biomarker of psychiatric vulnerability. Therefore, a better understanding of the effect of drugs such as cocaine on PPI may help to understand the development of dual pathology.