Regulation of drug-taking and -seeking behaviors by neuroadaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine system - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

Regulation of drug-taking and -seeking behaviors by neuroadaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine system

David W Self. Neuropharmacology. 2004.

Abstract

Previous studies have identified several neuroadaptations to chronic drug use, but relatively few have been functionally linked to addiction-related changes in drug-taking and -seeking behaviors. This article summarizes our past and present studies on the contribution of drug-induced neuroadaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine system to addiction-related changes in drug self-administration and the propensity for relapse in drug withdrawal. Our studies suggest that drug-induced up-regulation in cyclic AMP (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) contributes to escalating drug intake and a propensity for relapse by differentially altering the sensitivity of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors that regulate drug-taking and -seeking behaviors. In addition, our studies suggest that drug-induced neuroplasticity at excitatory synapses in both the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the NAc also facilitates drug-seeking behavior and the propensity for relapse. Finally, the role of both transient and enduring neuroadaptations in regulating drug-seeking behavior is discussed in view of different learning- and memory-based interactions.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

LinkOut - more resources