Cocaine Interaction with Dopamine Transporter in the Prefrontal Cortex and Beyond - Abstract
Although the relevant research investment in understanding the mechanism of action of cocaine and its role in altering brain circuits and behaviour, an efficacious therapy for cocaine addiction has not been found yet. Thus, cocaine use, dependence, abuse and addiction are still a relevant health, social, and economical problem. Cocaine interacts with three different monoamine transporters and increases the extracellular level of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in many brain areas as well in periphery. The aim of this review is to evaluate the interaction of cocaine with the dopamine transporter (DAT) but also with the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and the serotonin transporter (SERT) in several brain areas. In addition, it will be discussed some of the receptor interaction the are involved in the complex alteration of brain circuitry that in turns produces the feeling and the behaviours sought by addicted. The areas that will be considered are: i) the prefrontal cortex (PFC), being the area in which the process of decision making is elaborated; ii) the NAcc shell because its involvement in the reinforcing and motivational properties of cocaine; iii) the bed nucleus of stria terminal is (BNST), due to its involvement in the stress response and in the relapse of cocaine consumption. It will be also considered the effect of prenatal exposure to cocaine and the target role of monoamine transporters in the search of a therapy for cocaine addiction.