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Glutamate systems in cocaine addiction
1Department of Physiology & Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, BSB 403, Charleston, SC 29465, USA. kalivasp@musc.edu
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|March 17, 2004
Summary
Research is shifting from dopamine to glutamate in addiction studies. Newer findings highlight the role of glutamate pathways, particularly from the prefrontal cortex to the nucleus accumbens, in addiction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Dopamine transmission has been the primary research focus in addiction for two decades.
- Emerging evidence suggests a shift towards understanding the role of glutamate in addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the involvement of cortex and corticofugal glutamate projections in addiction.
- To investigate the rationale behind shifting focus to glutamate-based mechanisms in addiction.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing evidence on altered cortical activity in individuals with addiction.
- Analyzing data from animal models on drug-induced changes in glutamate neurotransmission.
- Focusing on studies examining the prefrontal cortex-nucleus accumbens glutamate circuit.
Main Results:
- Cortical activity is demonstrably altered in individuals with addiction.
- Animal models show drug-induced functional changes in proteins regulating glutamate neurotransmission.
- Specific attention is given to the prefrontal cortex to nucleus accumbens glutamate pathway.
Conclusions:
- Glutamate pathways, especially involving the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, are increasingly implicated in addiction.
- Understanding glutamate's role offers new perspectives beyond dopamine in addiction research.