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The Kappa‐Opiate Receptor Impacts the Pathophysiology and Behavior of Substance Use
Author(s) -
Mysels David
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1080/10550490902925862
Subject(s) - dynorphin , κ opioid receptor , downregulation and upregulation , opiate , receptor , dopaminergic , dysphoria , pathophysiology , substance p , dopamine , endocrinology , medicine , neuropeptide , pharmacology , psychology , chemistry , opioid , opioid peptide , psychiatry , biochemistry , anxiety , gene
There is increasing evidence that the kappa‐opiate receptor, in addition to the mu‐opiate receptor, plays an important role in substance use pathophysiology and behavior. As dopamine activity is upregulated through chronic substance use, kappa receptor activity, mediated through the peptide dynorphin, is upregulated in parallel. Dynorphin causes dysphoria and decreased locomotion, and the upregulation of its activity on the kappa receptor likely dampens the excitation caused by increased dopaminergic activity. This feedback mechanism may have significant clinical implications for treating drug dependent patients in various stages of their pathology.