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Research Article
Alterations in the levels of heterotrimeric G protein subunits induced by psychostimulants, opiates, barbiturates, and ethanol: Implications for drug dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal
Article first published online: 19 JUN 2008
DOI: 10.1002/syn.20543
Copyright © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
1098-2396/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=4b9dcebb75fcbff0fdeec2b9792818249e8aa0f4 "Synapse")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Kitanaka, N., Kitanaka, J., Hall, F. S., Tatsuta, T., Morita, Y., Takemura, M., Wang, X.-B. and Uhl, G. R. (2008), Alterations in the levels of heterotrimeric G protein subunits induced by psychostimulants, opiates, barbiturates, and ethanol: Implications for drug dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. Synapse, 62: 689–699. doi: 10.1002/syn.20543
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 JUN 2008
- Article first published online: 19 JUN 2008
- Manuscript Accepted: 7 MAR 2008
- Manuscript Received: 8 JAN 2008
Funded by
- Hyogo College of Medicine
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- amphetamine;
- cocaine;
- morphine;
- gene and protein expression;
- intracellular effector;
- transcription factor
Abstract
Neuronal adaptations have been found to occur in multiple brain regions after chronic intake of abused drugs, and are therefore thought to underlie drug dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. Pathophysiological changes in drug responsiveness as well as behavioral sequelae of chronic drug exposure are thought to depend largely upon the altered state of heterotrimeric GTP binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptor (GPCR)-G protein interactions. Responsiveness of GPCR-related intracellular signaling systems to drugs of abuse is heterogeneous, depending on the types of intracellular effectors to which the specific Gα protein subtypes are coupled and GPCR-G protein coupling efficiency, factors influenced by the class of drug, expression levels of G protein subunits, and drug treatment regimens. To enhance understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of pathophysiological states resulting from chronic intake of abused drugs, this review focuses on alterations in the expression levels of G protein subunits induced by various drugs of abuse. Changes in these mechanisms appear to be specific to particular drugs of abuse, and specific conditions of drug treatment. Synapse 62:689-699, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.