Drugs of abuse and brain gene expression

Author(s): Horowitz, J. M.

Journal/Book: Psychosom Med. 1999; 61: 227 East Washington Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 630-650.

Abstract: Addictive drugs like cocaine, ethanol, and morphine activate signal transduction pathways that regulate brain gene expression. Such regulation is modulated by the presence of certain transcription factor proteins present in a given neuron. This article summarizes the effects of several addictive drugs on transcriptional processes contributing to the development of a drug-dependent state. The characterization of drug-induced changes in gene expression shows promise for improving our understanding of drug-addiction phenomena and cellular modes of cocaine, ethanol, and morphine action.

Note: Review Torres G, SUNY Buffalo, Behav Neurosci Program, Dept Psychol, Buffalo,NY 14260 USA

Keyword(s): addiction; dopamine; genes; mutagenesis; rodents; striatum; C-FOS EXPRESSION; IMMEDIATE-EARLY GENE; AMPHETAMINE-REGULATED TRANSCRIPT; MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION; MESOLIMBIC DOPAMINE SYSTEM; TRANSPORTER KNOCKOUT MICE; CHRONIC ETHANOL INGESTION; CHRONIC COCAINE TREATMENT; ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN; PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS

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