Cited by 369Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on BehaviorNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchSubstance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

The Neurobiology of Cocaine Addiction

Open access
Nestler, Eric·2005·Science & Practice Perspectives

Abstract

Cocaine produces its psychoactive and addictive effects primarily by acting on the brain's limbic system, a set of interconnected regions that regulate pleasure and motivation. An initial, short-term effect -- a buildup of the neurochemical dopamine -- gives rise to euphoria and a desire to take the drug again. Researchers are seeking to understand how cocaine's many longer term effects produce addiction's persistent cravings and risk of relapse. In the author's laboratory, work has focused on buildup of the genetic transcription factor DeltaFosB. Levels of DeltaFosB in the limbic system correlate with addiction-like behaviors in mice and may precipitate very long-lasting changes to nerve cell structure. Further pursuit of this and similar leads are first steps toward a complete understanding of the transition from cocaine abuse to addiction -- and, ultimately, more effective treatments for those who are addicted.

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  • Induction of behavioral locomotor sensitization in response to cocaine depends on structural plasticity of medium spiny neurons and is associated with lasting changes in medium spiny neuron spine density.

    “The induction of behavioral locomotor sensitization in response to cocaine depends on the structural plasticity of MSNs and is associated with lasting changes in MSN spine density32.”

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  1. Goldstein A 2001 Addiction: From Biology to Drug Policy 2nd ed Oxford Oxford University Press

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Authors
Nestler, E.
Affiliations
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (US)
Corresponding author
Nestler, Eric
Venue
Science & Practice Perspectives
Published
2005-12
Volume
3
Issue
1
Pages
4-10
ISSN
  • 1930-4307 (ISSN-L)
  • 1930-4315
OpenAlex
W2037400076
Cited by
367
References
11
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 31 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 67 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 22 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 17
FWCI
0.60
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Science & Practice Perspectives (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute on Drug Abuse (K05 DA 00404, K05DA000404, P01DA08227, R37 DA 07359, R37DA007359, P01DA008227)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
Keywords
cocaine dependence, limbic system, dopamine, ΔFosB, transcription factors, addiction-like behavior, relapse, neuroplasticity, drug craving, addiction treatment
MeSH terms
Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Limbic System, Models, Neurological, Behavior, Addictive, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos, Cocaine-Related Disorders

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