Work

Shared mechanisms of alcohol and other drugs.

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Identifying the changes that occur in the brain as a result of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use is important to understanding the development of AOD addiction. The nerve cell signaling chemical (i.e., neurotransmitter) γ-aminobutync acid (GABA) plays an important role in the brain chemistry of addiction. Most drugs interact with binding molecules (i.e., receptors) for specific neurotransmitters and either block or facilitate binding at these receptors. Thus, cannabis and opiates act via receptors intended for internally derived (i.e., endogenous) cannabinoid and opiate substances. In contrast, alcohol does not appear to activate specific receptors. However, alcohol influences the activity of many transmitter systems including GABA and endogenous opioids and cannabinoids.

Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)

Authors: Maureen T Cruz, Michal Bajo, Paul Schweitzer, Marisa Roberto

Institution: Scripps Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Awards: Synaptic and peptidergic neuroadaptations associated with alcohol dependence, Integrative Neuroscience Initiative on Alcoholism, Integrative Neuroscience Initiative on Alcoholism, Regulation of Ethanol Effects on Synaptic Transmission, CNS EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL--CELLULAR NEUROBIOLOGY