Stress-related neuropeptides and alcoholism: CRH, NPY, and beyond.
This article summarizes the proceedings of a symposium held at the conference on "Alcoholism and Stress: A Framework for Future Treatment Strategies" in Volterra, Italy, May 6-9, 2008. Chaired by Markus Heilig and Roberto Ciccocioppo, this symposium offered a forum for the presentation of recent data linking neuropetidergic neurotransmission to the regulation of different alcohol-related behaviors in animals and in humans. Dr. Donald Gehlert described the development of a new corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 1 antagonist and showed its efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption and stress-induced relapse in different animal models of alcohol abuse. Dr. Andrey Ryabinin reviewed recent findings in his laboratory, indicating a role of the urocortin 1 receptor system in the regulation of alcohol intake. Dr. Annika Thorsell showed data supporting the significance of the neuropeptide Y receptor system in the modulation of behaviors associated with a history of ethanol intoxication. Dr. Roberto Ciccocioppo focused his presentation on the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptors as treatment targets for alcoholism. Finally, Dr. Markus Heilig showed recent preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting that neurokinin 1 antagonism may represent a promising new treatment for alcoholism. Collectively, these investigators highlighted the significance of neuropeptidergic neurotransmission in the regulation of neurobiological mechanisms of alcohol addiction. Data also revealed the importance of these systems as treatment targets for the development of new medication for alcoholism.
Ciccocioppo
Roberto
R
Department of Experimental Medicine and Public Health, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Macerata, Italy. roberto.ciccocioppo@unicam.it
Gehlert
Donald R
DR
Ryabinin
Andrey
A
Kaur
Simranjit
S
Cippitelli
Andrea
A
Thorsell
Annika
A
Lê
Anh D
AD
Hipskind
Philip A
PA
Hamdouchi
Chafiq
C
Lu
Jianliang
J
Hembre
Erik J
EJ
Cramer
Jeffrey
J
Song
Min
M
McKinzie
David
D
Morin
Michelle
M
Economidou
Daina
D
Stopponi
Serena
S
Cannella
Nazzareno
N
Braconi
Simone
S
Kallupi
Marsida
M
de Guglielmo
Giordano
G
Massi
Maurizio
M
George
David T
DT
Gilman
Jody
J
Hersh
Jacqueline
J
Tauscher
Johannes T
JT
Hunt
Stephen P
SP
Hommer
Daniel
D
Heilig
Markus
M
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D000818:Animals; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000502:physiology*; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*; D054832:Urocortins / Q000502:physiology; D000097629:Nociceptin
D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D018847:Opioid Peptides; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D054832:Urocortins; D000097629:Nociceptin