Although addictive drugs have diverse molecular targets in the brain, they share the common initial effect of increasing the concentration of a substance called dopamine. In an article in PLoS Medicine, researchers Christian Lüscher (University of Geneva) and Mark A. Ungless (Imperial College London) review recent research that has advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this increase of dopamine. Based on this research, they propose a new classification for addictive drugs. The authors say that this new classification "may help in directing research towards more effective treatment of addiction."
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Citation: Lüscher C, Ungless MA (2006) The mechanistic classification of addictive drugs. PLoS Med 3(11): e437.
PLEASE ADD THE LINK TO THE PUBLISHED ARTICLE IN ONLINE VERSIONS OF YOUR REPORT: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0030437
PRESS-ONLY PREVIEW OF THE ARTICLE: http://www.plos.org/press/plme-03-11-luscher.pdf
Related image for press use: http://www.plos.org/press/plme-03-11-luscher.jpg
- Caption: The Dominant Targets Involved in Increasing Dopamine for the Major Types of Addictive Drugs - G, Gio coupled receptors; i, ionotropic receptors / ion channels; T, monoamine transporters; VTA, ventral tegmental area; NAc, nucleus accumbens; DA, dopamine; GABA, -aminobutyric acidg
CONTACT:
Christian Luscher
University of Geneva
Basic neurosciences and clinic of neurology
1 Michel Servet
Geneva 1211, Switzerland
+41 22 379 54 23
Christian.Luscher@medecine.unige.ch
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PLoS Medicine is an open access, freely available international medical journal. It publishes original research that enhances our understanding of human health and disease, together with commentary and analysis of important global health issues. For more information, visit http://www.plosmedicine.org
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