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Neurochemical changes in cocaine withdrawal
1Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Cocaine withdrawal causes lasting changes in brain dopamine systems in animals and humans. These persistent biochemical alterations may explain long-term withdrawal symptoms like anhedonia and relapse.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Repeated cocaine administration leads to significant neuroadaptations.
- Withdrawal from cocaine is associated with alterations in the mesolimbic dopamine system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biochemical changes following chronic cocaine withdrawal.
- To explore the link between persistent neurochemical alterations and withdrawal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal studies on cocaine withdrawal.
- Analysis of human brain imaging studies.
Main Results:
- Cocaine withdrawal induces transient increases followed by long-lasting decreases in dopamine transporters and efflux.
- Persistent changes in dopamine cell firing and dopamine-receptive neurons are observed in key brain regions.
- Human brain imaging supports long-lasting dopaminergic system alterations.
Conclusions:
- These findings suggest a protracted biochemical abstinence syndrome for cocaine.
- Persistent changes in dopaminergic pathways may underlie protracted withdrawal symptoms, including anhedonia and relapse potential.