The data showing a strong association of the minor alleles (A1 and B1) of the DRD2 with cocaine dependence suggest that a gene, located on the q22-q23 region of chromosome 11, confers susceptibility to this drug disorder.
Findings from these studies have led us to recognize the profound disruption of both dynorphin gene expression and kappa opioid receptor gene expression in a setting of chronic cocaine administration and, in turn, have led us to question a possible role of disruption of this system in the acquisition and persistence of cocaine addiction.
Findings from these studies have led us to recognize the profound disruption of both dynorphin gene expression and kappa opioid receptor gene expression in a setting of chronic cocaine administration and, in turn, have led us to question a possible role of disruption of this system in the acquisition and persistence of cocaine addiction.
The role of cholecystokinin (CCK), CCK-A or CCK-B receptor antagonists in the spontaneous preference for drugs of abuse (alcohol or cocaine) in naive rats.
A role for the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, but not the amygdala, in the effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking.
Using the transmission disequilibrium test, the present study examined linkage disequilibrium of alcohol and drug (opioid and/or cocaine) dependence with three DRD2 polymorphic systems: (a) TaqI A, (b) TaqI D, and (c) the functional -141CIns/Del promoter systems.
Using the human mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) as a model system, we have combined these approaches to test a potential role of OPRM1 in substance (heroin/cocaine) dependence.
Using the human mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) as a model system, we have combined these approaches to test a potential role of OPRM1 in substance (heroin/cocaine) dependence.
Our results suggest that changes in Cdk5 levels mediated by DeltaFosB, and resulting alterations in signalling involving D1 dopamine receptors, contribute to adaptive changes in the brain related to cocaine addiction.
These results suggest that 5-HT2A receptors play an important role in the behavioral effects of cocaine and that 5-HT2A receptors should be considered a viable target for analysis in the search for pharmacotherapies useful in the treatment of cocaine dependence.