Orexin (hypocretin) and addiction
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Updated: Oct 17, 2025

Using Optogenetics to Reverse Neuroplasticity and Inhibit Cocaine Seeking in Rats
Published on: October 5, 2021
Jacqueline B Mehr1, Michelle M Bilotti1, Morgan H James1
1Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Abstract:
Although originally implicated in appetite and sleep/wakefulness, the hypothalamic orexin (hypocretin) system has now been demonstrably linked with motivated behavior. This highly plastic system responds to reward-associated environmental stimuli and becomes pathologically overactive in addicted states. Here, we provide a brief overview of the roles of the orexin system in reward-seeking and addiction, as well as potential therapeutic opportunities for substance use disorders based on normalizing orexin function.
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