Historique
Périodique
The neurobiology of cocaine addiction
(La neurobiologie de la dépendance à la cocaïne.)
Auteur(s) :
NESTLER, E. J.
Année
2005
Page(s) :
4-12
Langue(s) :
Anglais
Refs biblio. :
12
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Discipline :
PRO (Produits, mode d'action, méthode de dépistage / Substances, action mode, screening methods)
Note générale :
NIDA Science and Practice Perspectives, 2005, 3, (1), 4-12
Résumé :
ENGLISH :
Cocaine produces its psychoactive and addictive effects primarily by acting on the brain's limbic system, a set of interconnected regions that regulate pleasure and motivation. An initial, short-term effecta buildup of the neurochemical dopaminegives rise to euphoria and a desire to take the drug again. Researchers are seeking to understand how cocaine's many longer term effects produce addiction's persistent cravings and risk of relapse. In the author's laboratory, work has focused on buildup of the genetic transcription factor DFosB. Levels of DFosB in the limbic system correlate with addiction-like behaviors in mice and may precipitate very long-lasting changes to nerve cell structure. Further pursuit of this and similar leads are first steps toward a complete understanding of the transition from cocaine abuse to addictionand, ultimately, more effective treatments for those who are addicted. (Author' s abstract)
Affiliation :
Department of Psychiatry and Center for Basic Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390. E-mail:eric.nestlerutsouthwestern.edu
Etats-Unis. United States.
Etats-Unis. United States.