Abstract
Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are complex and developing effective treatments will require the combination of novel medications and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. Epidemiological studies have shown there is a high correlation between alcohol consumption and tobacco use, and the prevalence of smoking in alcoholics is as high as 80% compared to about 30% for the general population. Both preclinical and clinical data provide evidence that nicotine administration increases alcohol intake and nonspecific nicotinic receptor antagonists reduce alcohol-mediated behaviors. As nicotine interacts specifically with the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) system, this suggests that nAChRs play an important role in the behavioral effects of alcohol. In this review, we discuss the importance of nAChRs for the treatment of AUDs and argue that the use of FDA approved nAChR ligands, such as varenicline and mecamylamine, approved as smoking cessation aids may prove to be valuable treatments for AUDs. We also address the importance of combining effective medications with behavioral therapy for the treatment of alcohol dependent individuals.
Keywords: nAChRs, ethanol, nicotine, pharmacotherapy, smoking cessation aids, varenicline, mecamylamine
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
Title: Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors as Pharmacotherapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders
Volume: 9 Issue: 1
Author(s): S. Chatterjee and S. E. Bartlett
Affiliation:
Keywords: nAChRs, ethanol, nicotine, pharmacotherapy, smoking cessation aids, varenicline, mecamylamine
Abstract: Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are complex and developing effective treatments will require the combination of novel medications and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches. Epidemiological studies have shown there is a high correlation between alcohol consumption and tobacco use, and the prevalence of smoking in alcoholics is as high as 80% compared to about 30% for the general population. Both preclinical and clinical data provide evidence that nicotine administration increases alcohol intake and nonspecific nicotinic receptor antagonists reduce alcohol-mediated behaviors. As nicotine interacts specifically with the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) system, this suggests that nAChRs play an important role in the behavioral effects of alcohol. In this review, we discuss the importance of nAChRs for the treatment of AUDs and argue that the use of FDA approved nAChR ligands, such as varenicline and mecamylamine, approved as smoking cessation aids may prove to be valuable treatments for AUDs. We also address the importance of combining effective medications with behavioral therapy for the treatment of alcohol dependent individuals.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Chatterjee S. and Bartlett E. S., Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors as Pharmacotherapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2010; 9 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152710790966597
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152710790966597 |
Print ISSN 1871-5273 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1996-3181 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system infectious diseases
Infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) can be divided into bacterial, tuberculous, viral, fungal, parasitic infections, etc. Early etiological treatment is often the most crucial means to reduce the mortality rate of patients with central nervous system infections, reduce complications and sequelae, and improve prognosis. The initial clinical ...read more
Techniques of Drug Repurposing: Delivering a new life to Herbs & Drugs
Of late, with the adaptation of innovative approaches and integration of advancements made towards medical sciences as well as the availability of a wide range of tools; several therapeutic challenges are being translated into viable clinical solutions, with a high degree of efficacy, safety, and selectivity. With a better understanding ...read more
Trends and perspectives in the rational management of CNS disorders
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases enforce a significant global health burden, driving ongoing efforts to improve our understanding and effectiveness of therapy. This issue investigates current advances in the discipline, focusing on the understanding as well as therapeutic handling of various CNS diseases. The issue covers a variety of diseases, ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Inhibition of Product Template (PT) Domain of Aflatoxin Producing Polyketide Synthase Enzyme of Aspergillus parasiticus
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery A Hyperlipidemic Diet Induces Structural Changes in Cerebral Blood Vessels
Current Neurovascular Research Dedication of the Third Issue of ‘Current Alzheimer Research’ to President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)
Current Alzheimer Research Theory of Mind in the Early Course of Schizophrenia
Current Psychiatry Reviews Brain Injury Associated with Widely Abused Amphetamines: Neuroinflammation, Neurogenesis and Blood-Brain Barrier
Current Drug Abuse Reviews Probing Multidrug Resistance P-glycoprotein Transporter Activity with SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Association of Oxidative Stress to the Genesis of Anxiety: Implications for Possible Therapeutic Interventions
Current Neuropharmacology The Test Your Memory (TYM) Test Outperforms the MMSE in the Detection of MCI and Dementia
Current Alzheimer Research How Does the Treadmill Affect Gait in Parkinsons Disease?
Current Aging Science Pharmacological Modulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Cancer Treatment
Current Drug Targets A1 Adenosine Receptor Agonists: Medicinal Chemistry and Therapeutic Potential
Current Pharmaceutical Design Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide in Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Disorders - Implications for Huntington and Parkinsons Diseases
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery The Possible Adverse Effects of Intramuscular Botulinum Toxin Injections and their Management
Current Drug Safety Atypical Chest Pain in ACS: A Trap Especially for Women
Current Pharmaceutical Design Pharmacogenetic Studies of Psychotropic Drug-Induced Adverse Effects
Current Pharmacogenomics Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors as Therapeutic Targets for Cognitive Disorders
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Alzheimer Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Link to Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Probable Nutritional Strategies
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Metalloproteinases Types 2 and 3 Reveal Differences in the Dynamic Behavior of the S1 Binding Pocket
Current Pharmaceutical Design Expression and Function of Organic Cation and Anion Transporters (SLC22 Family) in the CNS
Current Pharmaceutical Design Is Increased Mortality from Alzheimers Disease in Sweden a Reflection of Better Diagnostics?
Current Alzheimer Research