7 December 2017
The SERT-containing cells of the MRN and DRN ‘talk’ to other brain cells containing the stress hormone CRF. The international research team also showed that the SERT-induced increase in cocaine intake observed in animals with a low consumption of the drug was accompanied by changes in the levels of CRF in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). In contrast, the SERT-induced increase in cocaine intake observed in animals with a high consumption of the drug was accompanied by changes in CRF levels in the central amygdala (CeA).
This study shows that cocaine consumption is regulated by distinct brain circuits depending on the amount of cocaine that is taken. Based on their findings, the researchers hypothesize that the DRN-CeA circuit ‘overrules’ the MRN-PVN circuit when the drug intake shifts from low to high. These results also suggest that an increased reactivity of the CRF-containing cells within the two brain circuits may contribute to the higher risk of addiction in people expressing low levels of the SERT gene.
Publication link.
![](/getmedia/db0e6726-58a2-4582-a880-75391da57b72/Judith-Homberg_portret.aspx?width=240&height=305)
Michel Verheij Judith Homberg
Michel Verheij and Judith Homberg, theme Stress-related disorders, recently published in Biological Psychiatry.
The SERT-containing cells of the MRN and DRN ‘talk’ to other brain cells containing the stress hormone CRF. The international research team also showed that the SERT-induced increase in cocaine intake observed in animals with a low consumption of the drug was accompanied by changes in the levels of CRF in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). In contrast, the SERT-induced increase in cocaine intake observed in animals with a high consumption of the drug was accompanied by changes in CRF levels in the central amygdala (CeA).
This study shows that cocaine consumption is regulated by distinct brain circuits depending on the amount of cocaine that is taken. Based on their findings, the researchers hypothesize that the DRN-CeA circuit ‘overrules’ the MRN-PVN circuit when the drug intake shifts from low to high. These results also suggest that an increased reactivity of the CRF-containing cells within the two brain circuits may contribute to the higher risk of addiction in people expressing low levels of the SERT gene.
Publication link.
Michel Verheij Judith Homberg
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