For several decades, addiction has come to be viewed as a disorder of the dopamine neurotransmitter system; however, this view has not led to new treatments. In this Opinion article, we review the origins of the dopamine theory of addiction and discuss the ability of addictive drugs to elicit the release of dopamine in the human striatum. There is robust evidence that stimulants increase striatal dopamine levels and some evidence that alcohol may have such an effect, but little evidence, if any, that cannabis and opiates increase dopamine levels. Moreover, there is good evidence that striatal dopamine receptor availability and dopamine release are diminished in individuals with stimulant or alcohol dependence but not in individuals with opiate, nicotine or cannabis dependence. These observations have implications for understanding reward and treatment responses in various addictions.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrn3939 | DOI Listing |
Cell-type-specific activation of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons in the external globus pallidus (GPe) through optogenetics has shown promise in facilitating long-lasting movement dysfunction recovery in mice with Parkinson's disease. However, its translational potential is hindered by adverse effects stemming from the invasive implantation of optical fibers into the brain. In this study, we have developed a non-invasive optogenetics approach, utilizing focused ultrasound-triggered mechanoluminescent nanotransducers to enable remote photon delivery deep in the brain for genetically targeted neuromodulation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is required for learning associations that determine whether animals approach or avoid potential threats in the environment. Dopaminergic (DA) projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the mPFC carry information, particularly about aversive outcomes, that may inform prefrontal computations. But the role of prefrontal DA in learning based on aversive outcomes remains poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
December 2024
Neurology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU.
Herein, we review the literature on Parkinson's disease (PD) management and summarize the progress in medical, surgical, and assisted therapeutic modalities for motor and non-motor symptoms. A thorough search strategy was implemented to retrieve all relevant articles and identify the best evidence from different databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Evidence-Based Medicine reviews from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Multiple terms, such as Parkinson, tremor, predominant, Parkinson management, deep brain stimulation, LCIG, ablative surgery for PD, medical management of PD, and assistive devices for PD, were used for screening.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y)
January 2025
Department of General Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.
Background: Variants in the gene, encoding guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase, are associated with dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) and are considered risk factors for parkinson's disease.
Methods: Comprehensive neurological assessments documented motor and non-motor symptoms in a Chinese family affected by DRD. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was employed to identify potential mutations, with key variants confirmed by Sanger sequencing and analyzed for familial co-segregation.
The mother-infant bond is among the strongest social relationships formed in humans and nonhuman mammals. As such, disrupted infant-caregiver relationships have the capacity to result in potent adverse effects not only in the offspring, but also in the mother. Here, I provide a brief overview of my prior work showing adversity-induced alterations in offspring and maternal behavioral and brain function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!