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Systemic κ‐opioid receptor antagonism by nor‐binaltorphimine reduces dependence‐induced excessive alcohol self‐administration in rats
Author(s) -
Walker Brendan M.,
Zorrilla Eric P.,
Koob George F.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
addiction biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.445
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1369-1600
pISSN - 1355-6215
DOI - 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00226.x
Subject(s) - dynorphin , self administration , opioid , ethanol , antagonist , opioid receptor , pharmacology , antagonism , naltrexone , opioid antagonist , medicine , alcohol , κ opioid receptor , opioid peptide , endocrinology , chemistry , receptor , (+) naloxone , biochemistry
Altered dynorphin opioid peptide systems contribute to increased ethanol self‐administration during withdrawal following chronic alcohol exposure. We previously identified that the κ‐opioid receptor antagonist nor‐binaltorphimine (nor‐BNI) selectively reduced ethanol self‐administration in dependent animals. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) determine whether peripherally administered nor‐BNI could reduce dependence‐induced ethanol self‐administration and (2) confirm the selective κ‐opioid effects of nor‐BNI by administering it 24 hours prior to ethanol self‐administration sessions occurring during acute withdrawal. Nor‐BNI decreased ethanol self‐administration in ethanol‐dependent animals, with no effect in nondependent animals. Thus, the κ‐opioid/dynorphin system is a viable pharmacotherapeutic target for the treatment of alcoholism.