title: Contributions of serotonin in addiction vulnerability.
abstract: The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) system has long been associated with mood and its dysregulation implicated in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders. While modulation of 5-HT neurotransmission by drugs of abuse is also recognized, its role in drug addiction and vulnerability to drug relapse is a more recent focus of investigation. First, we review preclinical data supporting the serotonergic raphe nuclei and their forebrain projections as targets of drugs of abuse, with emphasis on the effects of psychostimulants, opioids and ethanol. Next, we examine the role of 5-HT receptors in impulsivity, a core behavior that contributes to the vulnerability to addiction and relapse. Finally, we discuss evidence for serotonergic dysregulation in comorbid mood and addictive disorders and suggest novel serotonergic targets for the treatment of addiction and the prevention of drug relapse.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, 3400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA. lkirby@temple.edu
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Kirby
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Zeeb
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Winstanley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000633:toxicity; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000633:toxicity; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000633:toxicity; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D012701:Serotonin