Dopamine-containing neurons originating in the ventral tegmental area project primarily to the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex, forming the mesolimbic and mesocortical systems, respectively. Virtually every drug of abuse influences dopamine-mediated neurotransmission by affecting directly or indirectly the activity of these cells. Amphetamine and cocaine, in addition to opioids and nicotine, induce short- and long-term modifications of firing in the dopamine-containing neurons of the ventral mesencephalon. Although exposure to psychostimulants mainly depresses neuronal activity, nicotine and morphine enhance neuronal activity. However, under particular conditions, these drugs could cause different changes of firing. In this article, we propose that changes in the activity of dopamine-containing neurons are related to the processes of addiction. Therefore, we suggest that both the modulation of dopamine release in the extracellular space and transient or enduring changes in the firing of dopamine-containing neurons could be associated with important features of drugs of abuse.

Bonci, A., Bernardi, G., Grillner, P., Mercuri, N.b. (2003). The dopamine-containing neuron: maestro or simple musician in the orchestra of addiction?. TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES, 24(4), 172-177.

The dopamine-containing neuron: maestro or simple musician in the orchestra of addiction?

MERCURI, NICOLA BIAGIO
2003-04-01

Abstract

Dopamine-containing neurons originating in the ventral tegmental area project primarily to the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex, forming the mesolimbic and mesocortical systems, respectively. Virtually every drug of abuse influences dopamine-mediated neurotransmission by affecting directly or indirectly the activity of these cells. Amphetamine and cocaine, in addition to opioids and nicotine, induce short- and long-term modifications of firing in the dopamine-containing neurons of the ventral mesencephalon. Although exposure to psychostimulants mainly depresses neuronal activity, nicotine and morphine enhance neuronal activity. However, under particular conditions, these drugs could cause different changes of firing. In this article, we propose that changes in the activity of dopamine-containing neurons are related to the processes of addiction. Therefore, we suggest that both the modulation of dopamine release in the extracellular space and transient or enduring changes in the firing of dopamine-containing neurons could be associated with important features of drugs of abuse.
apr-2003
Sottoposto a rivista
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Sì, ma tipo non specificato
Settore MED/26 - NEUROLOGIA
English
Con Impact Factor ISI
Animals; Morphine; Humans; Narcotics; Models, Biological; Mesencephalon; Dopamine; Nicotine; Neurons; Receptors, Dopamine; Substance-Related Disorders; Nerve Endings; Amphetamine; Cocaine
Bonci, A., Bernardi, G., Grillner, P., Mercuri, N.b. (2003). The dopamine-containing neuron: maestro or simple musician in the orchestra of addiction?. TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES, 24(4), 172-177.
Bonci, A; Bernardi, G; Grillner, P; Mercuri, Nb
Articolo su rivista
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/57454
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 151
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 133
social impact