Ibogaine pretreatment dramatically enhances the dynorphin response to cocaine
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2026

A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 30 So. 2000 E. Room 201, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. m.e.albruges@m.cc.utah.edu
Ibogaine (Endabuse) is a psychoactive indole alkaloid found in the shrub, Tabernanthe iboga, which has been used to treat stimulant addiction. Because ibogaine influences the activity of neurotensin systems, a dopamine-linked neuropeptide, the present study investigated if ibogaine also influences dynorphin (DYN) pathways. Unlike neurotensin responses, ibogaine alone did not alter DYN levels in the striatum, substantia nigra or nucleus accumbens. Interestingly, ibogaine pretreatment dramatically enhanced cocaine-induced increases in DYN content in these structures.
Ibogaine (Endabuse) is a psychoactive indole alkaloid found in the shrub, Tabernanthe iboga, which has been used to treat stimulant addiction. Because ibogaine influences the activity of neurotensin systems, a dopamine-linked neuropeptide, the present study investigated if ibogaine also influences dynorphin (DYN) pathways. Unlike neurotensin responses, ibogaine alone did not alter DYN levels in the striatum, substantia nigra or nucleus accumbens. Interestingly, ibogaine pretreatment dramatically enhanced cocaine-induced increases in DYN content in these structures.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Drug Dependence
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...

