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Dynorphin/Kappa-Opioid Receptor System Modulation of Cortical Circuitry
Hugo A Tejeda1, Huikun Wang2, Rodolfo J Flores2
1Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. hugo.tejeda@nih.gov.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|February 13, 2021
Summary
The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) system modulates cortical circuits, impacting sensation, emotion, and cognition. Understanding this system offers new therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Psychiatry
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Cortical circuits are crucial for diverse behaviors, including sensation, cognition, and emotion.
- The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) system is highly expressed in cortical areas and involved in processing emotional and sensory information.
- Dysregulation of DYN/KOR signaling is linked to negative affect and cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders, yet its role in cortical circuits is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anatomical and functional roles of the DYN/KOR system within cortical circuits.
- To explore the DYN/KOR system's regulation of synaptic transmission, microcircuit function, and behavior.
- To discuss the implications of the DYN/KOR system for human health and disease, and identify future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of anatomical, functional, and behavioral studies.
- Analysis of the expression and distribution of the DYN/KOR system in cortical regions.
- Synthesis of existing research on DYN/KOR modulation of cortical synaptic and circuit activity.
Main Results:
- The DYN/KOR system is anatomically integrated within cortical circuits, influencing synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability.
- Evidence suggests the cortical DYN/KOR system regulates sensory processing, motivated behaviors, and cognitive functions.
- Alterations in DYN/KOR signaling are associated with negative emotional states and cognitive impairments.
Conclusions:
- The DYN/KOR system plays a significant role in modulating cortical information processing and behavior.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which the DYN/KOR system controls cortical functions.
- Targeting the cortical DYN/KOR system presents a promising avenue for developing novel treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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