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A Protocol for Measuring Cue Reactivity in a Rat Model of Cocaine Use Disorder
Published on: June 18, 2018
Immune system inflammation in cocaine dependent individuals: implications for medications development
Helen C Fox1, Carrol D'Sa, Anne Kimmerling
1The Connecticut Mental Health Center, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. helen.fox@yale.edu
Human Psychopharmacology
|March 6, 2012
Summary
Cocaine dependence is linked to an elevated inflammatory state, with altered cytokine profiles observed under stress and drug cues. These immune markers may offer new avenues for addiction treatment development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Cocaine dependence is a chronic stress condition.
- Stress and substance abuse reciprocally impact immune system cytokines.
- Cytokines are key modulators of mood and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate basal and provoked changes in peripheral cytokines in cocaine-dependent individuals.
- To understand the role of cytokines in the negative reinforcing effects of cocaine.
- To explore cytokines as potential biomarkers for addiction.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight cocaine-dependent individuals and 27 social drinkers underwent guided imagery (stress, drug cue, relaxing).
- Salivary cortisol, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were measured.
- Measurements were taken at baseline and post-imagery time-points.
Main Results:
- Cocaine abusers showed lower basal IL-10 compared to social drinkers.
- Cocaine abusers exhibited increased pro-inflammatory TNFα under stress, unlike social drinkers.
- Social drinkers showed increased anti-inflammatory IL-10 and IL-1ra after cue exposure, not observed in cocaine users.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine dependence is associated with an elevated inflammatory state at baseline and under stress.
- Cytokine profiles in addicted populations may serve as novel biomarkers.
- These findings support exploring cytokines for developing new addiction treatments.
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