Glutamate transmission in addiction

Neuropharmacology. 2009;56 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):169-73. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.07.011. Epub 2008 Jul 16.

Abstract

Cortico-striatal glutamate transmission has been implicated in both the initiation and expression of addiction related behaviors, such as locomotor sensitization and drug-seeking. While glutamate transmission onto dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area undergoes transient plasticity important for establishing addiction-related behaviors, glutamatergic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens is critical for the expression of these behaviors. This information points to the value of exploring pharmacotherapeutic manipulation of glutamate plasticity in treating drug addiction.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glutamic Acid*
  • Humans
  • Substance-Related Disorders / drug therapy
  • Substance-Related Disorders / metabolism*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / physiopathology
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • Glutamic Acid