CART peptides are modulators of mesolimbic dopamine and psychostimulants.
CART peptide produces behavioral effects when injected into the VTA or nucleus accumbens. In the VTA, the peptide behaves like an endogenous psychostimulant and produces increased locomotor activity and conditioned place preference. Since this is blocked by dopamine receptor blockers, it presumably involves release of dopamine. But in the nucleus accumbens, CART peptide reduces the locomotor-increasing effects of cocaine. This suggests that the peptide is an interesting target for medications development.
Jaworski
J N
JN
Yerkes National Primate Research Center of Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. jjawors@rmy.emory.edu
Vicentic
A
A
Hunter
R G
RG
Kimmel
H L
HL
Kuhar
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008032:Limbic System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017557:Ventral Tegmental Area / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000098882:Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Protein
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D000098882:Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Protein; D004298:Dopamine