Drug-induced Alterations in the Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK) Signalling Pathway: Implications for Reinforcement and Reinstatement |
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Authors: | Haifeng Zhai Yanqin Li Xi Wang Lin Lu |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Neuropharmacology, National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, 38, Xue Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100083, China |
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Abstract: | Drug addiction, characterized by high rates of relapse, is recognized as a kind of neuroadaptive disorder. Since the extracellular
signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is critical to neuroplasticity in the adult brain, understanding the role this pathway
plays is important for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying drug addiction and relapse. Here, we review previous
literatures that focus on the effects of exposure to cocaine, amphetamine, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), nicotine, morphine, and alcohol on ERK signaling in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system; these
alterations of ERK signaling have been thought to contribute to the drug’s rewarding effects and to the long-term maladaptation
induced by drug abuse. We then discuss the possible upstreams of the ERK signaling pathway activated by exposure of drugs
of abuse and the environmental cues previously paired with drugs. Finally, we argue that since ERK activation is a key molecular
process in reinstatement of conditioned place preference and drug self-administration, the pharmacological manipulation of
the ERK pathway is a potential treatment strategy for drug addiction.
Haifeng Zhai and Yanqin Li contributed equally to this paper. |
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Keywords: | Addiction Neuroplasticity Reward Relapse Dopamine Glutamate Contextual cues |
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