Trace amine-associated receptor 1: A promising target for the treatment of psychostimulant addiction

Eur J Pharmacol. 2015 Aug 15:761:345-52. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.06.019. Epub 2015 Jun 16.

Abstract

Abuse of and addiction to psychostimulants remains a challenging clinical issue; yet no effective pharmacotherapy is available. Trace amine associated receptor 1 (TAAR 1) is increasingly recognized as a novel drug target that participates in the modulation of drug abuse. This review analyzed existing preclinical evidence from electrophysiological, biochemical to behavioral aspects regarding the functional interactions between TAAR 1 and dopaminergic system. TAAR 1 knockout mice demonstrate increased sensitivity to dopaminergic activation while TAAR 1 agonists reduce the neurochemical effects of cocaine and amphetamines, attenuate abuse- and addiction-related behavioral effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. It is concluded that TAAR 1 activation functionally modulates the dopaminergic activity and TAAR 1 agonists appear to be promising pharmacotherapies against psychostimulant addiction.

Keywords: Addiction; Behavior; Cocaine; Methamphetamine; TAAR 1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / metabolism
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Addictive*
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / adverse effects*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / metabolism
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / drug effects
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Methamphetamine / adverse effects*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Methamphetamine
  • Trace amine-associated receptor 1