Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

A Multiple Integrated Social Stress Model for Psychiatric Disorders in Female C57BL/6J Mice
Published on: July 15, 2025
Dynorphin/kappa-opioid receptor control of dopamine dynamics: Implications for negative affective states and
Hugo A Tejeda1, Antonello Bonci2
1Synaptic Plasticity Section, Cellular and Neurobiology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD USA; Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Abstract:
Negative affective states are prevalent symptoms in a plethora of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and drug addiction. Dysfunction of mesocorticolimbic dopamine systems has been implicated in negative affective states in neuropsychiatric disorders. The dynorphin/kappa-opioid receptor system is a powerful effector of stress-related behavior and is highly enriched within the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Dysfunction of dynorphin/KOR signaling within the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system is implicated in promoting symptoms in neuropsychiatric disorders. As such, the kappa-opioid receptor system provides an important therapeutic target to treat negative affective states associated with psychiatric disorders. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the dynorphin/kappa-opioid receptor system and its role in regulating the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, motivation, and emotional behavior. Furthermore, we highlight unresolved issues in the field and offer some insights for future research.
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Role of Affect in Interpersonal Attraction
The Influence of Affect on Cognition

