A new peptide input to learning and addiction.
In this issue of Neuron, Borgland et al. report that the arousal-associated peptide orexin enhances LTP-like changes in glutamatergic excitability of ventral tegmental dopamine neurons. This parallels a similar effect of corticotropin-releasing factor and suggests a form of neuroadaptation that increases the likelihood of addiction relapse.
Wise
Roy A
RA
Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 5500 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
D000818:Animals; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000378:metabolism*; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology*; D000068797:Orexins; D051381:Rats; D017557:Ventral Tegmental Area / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D000068797:Orexins