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.
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.
Roy A
RA
Wise
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