Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2025

A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices
Published on: August 11, 2021
Trace amine-associated receptor 1 and drug abuse
Ruyan Wu1, Jianfeng Liu2, Jun-Xu Li3
1Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.
Abstract:
Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is the best characterized receptor selectively activated by trace amines. It is broadly expressed in the monoaminergic system in the brain including ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal raphe (DR) and substantial nigra (SN). Extensive studies have suggested that TAAR1 plays an important role in the modulation of monoaminergic system, especially dopamine (DA) transmission which may underlie the mechanisms by which TAAR1 interventions affect drug abuse-like behaviors. TAAR1 activation inhibits the rewarding and reinforcing effects of drugs from different classes including psychostimulants, opioid and alcohol as well as drug-induced increase in DA accumulation. The mechanisms of TAAR1's function in mediating drug abuse-like behaviors are not clear. However, it is hypothesized that TAAR1 interaction with DA transporter (DAT) and dopamine D2 receptor (D2) and the subsequent modulation of cellular cascades may contribute to the effects of TAAR1 in regulating drug abuse. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of TAAR1 in other drugs of abuse-related behaviors and its safety and efficacy for prolonged medications. Together, TAAR1 inhibits drug-induced DA transmission and drug abuse-related behaviors. Therefore, TAAR1 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of drug addiction.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine, Amphetamines and Cannabinoids
Drug Dependence
Physical Properties of Amines
Drug-Receptor Interaction: Agonist
Agonists can bind to receptors in different ways. Some agonists bind directly to the receptor's active site, mimicking the endogenous...

