Cited by 271Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration MechanismsNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Glial and Neuroimmune Mechanisms as Critical Modulators of Drug Use and Abuse

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Lacagnina, Michael J, Rivera, Phillip D, Bilbo, Staci D·2017·Neuropsychopharmacology

Abstract

Drugs of abuse cause persistent alterations in synaptic plasticity that may underlie addiction behaviors. Evidence suggests glial cells have an essential and underappreciated role in the development and maintenance of drug abuse by influencing neuronal and synaptic functions in multifaceted ways. Microglia and astrocytes perform critical functions in synapse formation and refinement in the developing brain, and there is growing evidence that disruptions in glial function may be implicated in numerous neurological disorders throughout the lifespan. Linking evidence of function in health and under pathological conditions, this review will outline the glial and neuroimmune mechanisms that may contribute to drug-abuse liability, exploring evidence from opioids, alcohol, and psychostimulants. Drugs of abuse can activate microglia and astrocytes through signaling at innate immune receptors, which in turn influence neuronal function not only through secretion of soluble factors (eg, cytokines and chemokines) but also potentially through direct remodeling of the synapses. In sum, this review will argue that neural-glial interactions represent an important avenue for advancing our understanding of substance abuse disorders.

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Crossref · 10.1038/npp.2016.121

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  • During substance abuse, microglia-mediated neuroinflammation can exert direct neural toxicity and potentially exacerbate addiction via modulation of synapse plasticity.

    “Particularly, during substance abuse, microglia-mediated neuroinflammation can exert direct neural toxicity and potentially exacerbate addiction via modulation of synapse plasticity.13, 14”

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Research works printed but not linked: 5

  1. Crow TJ (1972). Catecholamine-containing neurones and electrical self-stimulation. 1. A review of some data. Psychol Med 2: 414-421.
  2. del Río-Hortega P (1932). Microglia. In: Penfield W(ed) Cytology and Cellular Pathology of the Nervous System. Paul B. Hoeber: New York, NY. Vol 2 pp 482-534.
  3. Hutchinson MR, Shavit Y, Grace PM, Rice KC, Maier SF, Watkins LR (2011). Exploring the neuroimmunopharmacology of opioids: an integrative review of mechanisms of central immune signaling and their implications for opioid analgesia. Pharmacol Rev 63: 772-810.
  4. REVIEW ................................................................................................................................................... Neuropsychopharmacology REVIEWS
  5. Ramón y, Cajal S (1906). The structure and connexions of neurons. Nobel Lectures, Physiology or Medicine 1901-1921. Elsevier: Amsterdam. pp 220-253.

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Authors
Lacagnina, M. J., Rivera, P. D., & Bilbo, S. D.
Affiliations
Duke University (US)
Venue
Neuropsychopharmacology
Published
2016-07-11
Volume
42
Issue
1
Pages
156-177
ISSN
  • 0893-133X (ISSN-L)
  • 1740-634X
OpenAlex
W2462345027
Cited by
271
References
57
Citations by year
2026: 24 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 24 · 2023: 31 · 2022: 32 · 2021: 45 · 2020: 26 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 3
FWCI
1.90
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neuropsychopharmacology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01DA034185)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Neurology › Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
Keywords
glial cells, neuroimmune mechanisms, drug addiction, microglia, astrocytes, synaptic plasticity, opioid use disorder, alcoholism, stimulant use disorder, innate immune receptors, cytokines, chemokines, synaptic remodeling
MeSH terms
Astrocytes, Brain, Humans, Microglia, Substance-Related Disorders, Toll-Like Receptors

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