home   genetic news   bioinformatics   biotechnology   literature   journals   ethics   positions   events   sitemap
 
  HUM-MOLGEN -> Genetic News | search  
 

Neural Changes Mediating Addiction and Relapse

 
  July, 17 2009 10:14
your information resource in human molecular genetics
 
     

What neural mechanisms explain the transition from recreational drug to compulsive abuse and relapse? A study published online in Nature Neuroscience sheds some light on this process, by finding that the duration of some cocaine-induced changes in neuronal connectivity is gated by a particular type of glutamate receptor.

Addictive drugs, such as cocaine, leave detectable imprints in the brain. In particular, exposure to cocaine can modify connections between neurons so that they transmit signals to other neurons with greater or lesser strength, a process called drug-induced synaptic plasticity.

Christian Luscher and colleagues studied neuronal activity and behavioral changes that mimic drug relapse in mice. They found that the duration of cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity in a mid-brain area called the VTA -- previously linked to reward processing -- is regulated by the glutamate receptor mGluR1. Manipulating the activity of mGluR1 in the VTA of mice affected early and enduring forms of synaptic plasticity in a region known to be important for cocaine-seeking behavior after withdrawal. Blocking changes in the VTA reduced cocaine craving behavior in mice.

Authors contact:

Christian Luscher (University of Geneva, Switzerland)
E-mail: christian.luscher@unige.ch

Abstract available online.

(C) Nature Neuroscience press release.


Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza

print this article mail this article
Latest News
Variants Associated with Pediatric Allergic Disorder

Mutations in PHF6 Found in T-Cell Leukemia

Genetic Risk Variant for Urinary Bladder Cancer

Antibody Has Therapeutic Effect on Mice with ALS

Regulating P53 Activity in Cancer Cells

Anti-RNA Therapy Counters Breast Cancer Spread

Mitochondrial DNA Diversity

The Power of RNA Sequencing

‘Pro-Ageing' Therapy for Cancer?

Niche Genetics Influence Leukaemia

Molecular Biology: Clinical Promise for RNA Interference

Chemoprevention Cocktail for Colon Cancer

more news ...

Generated by News Editor 2.0 by Kai Garlipp
WWW: Kai Garlipp, Frank S. Zollmann.
7.0 © 1995-2023 HUM-MOLGEN. All rights reserved. Liability, Copyright and Imprint.