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Behavior genetics of drug sensitization
1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, USA.
Critical Reviews in Neurobiology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Genetic factors influence drug sensitization (reverse tolerance), a key element in drug abuse. Further research is needed to identify specific genes and their role in addiction treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Drug sensitization (reverse tolerance) is increasingly linked to drug abuse vulnerability.
- Genetic variations significantly impact individual sensitivity to drugs and addiction risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing literature on the behavioral genetics of drug sensitization.
- To assess the current understanding of genetic influences on drug sensitization and its relation to drug abuse.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal studies using inbred strains, selected lines, and recombinant inbred strains.
- Analysis of research mapping genes associated with sensitization to cocaine and ethanol in mice.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports partial genetic control over drug sensitization.
- Specific chromosomal regions in mice have been provisionally linked to genes influencing cocaine and ethanol sensitization.
Conclusions:
- Expanded research is crucial to link sensitization genetics with drug abuse risk.
- Identifying genetic mediators of sensitization may pave the way for novel addiction therapies using advanced mouse models.