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The opioidergic-alcohol link : implications for treatment
Vania Modesto-Lowe1, Eleanor M Fritz
1Connecticut Valley Hospital, Middletown, Connecticut 06457, USA. Vania-Modesto-Lowe@po.state.ct.us
CNS Drugs
|August 16, 2005
Summary
The endogenous opioid system plays a role in alcohol dependence. Opioid antagonists like naltrexone show therapeutic potential in reducing alcohol consumption, particularly in specific patient subgroups.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The endogenous opioid system is implicated in alcohol dependence.
- Alcohol consumption triggers beta-endorphin release in preclinical models.
- Genetic predisposition to alcohol dependence is associated with heightened endorphin responses to alcohol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence linking the endogenous opioid system to alcohol dependence.
- To examine the effects of opioid agonists and antagonists on alcohol consumption in preclinical and clinical studies.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone, for alcohol dependence.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical (in vitro and in vivo rodent) studies.
- Analysis of clinical studies in humans, including those with a family history of alcohol dependence.
- Examination of the effects of opioid agonists and antagonists on alcohol consumption.
Main Results:
- Alcohol exposure leads to beta-endorphin release.
- Opioid agonists at low doses increase, while high doses decrease alcohol consumption.
- Naltrexone reduces alcohol consumption in rodents and shows modest therapeutic effects in human clinical trials for alcohol dependence.
Conclusions:
- The endogenous opioid system is a significant factor in alcohol dependence.
- Naltrexone demonstrates therapeutic utility in managing alcohol dependence.
- Further research into patient subgroups and combination therapies may enhance naltrexone's clinical effectiveness.