title: GABAAreceptor subtype involvement in addictive behaviour.
abstract: GABAAreceptors form the major class of inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the mammalian brain. This review sets out to summarize the evidence that variations in genes encoding GABAAreceptor isoforms are associated with aspects of addictive behaviour in humans, while animal models of addictive behaviour also implicate certain subtypes of GABAAreceptor. In addition to outlining the evidence for the involvement of specific subtypes in addiction, we summarize the particular contributions of these isoforms in control over the functioning of brain circuits, especially the mesolimbic system, and make a first attempt to bring together evidence from several fields to understanding potential involvement of GABAAreceptor subtypes in addictive behaviour. While the weight of the published literature is on alcohol dependency, the underlying principles outlined are relevant across a number of different aspects of addictive behaviour.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroscience, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroscience, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Belelli
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Duka
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008032:Limbic System / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D021122:Protein Subunits / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D021122:Protein Subunits; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A
keywords: Alcohol; animal model; benzodiazepine; conduct disorder; electrophysiology; gene association; gene knockout; impulsivity; nucleus accumbens; psychostimulant; reward