Abstract
As with other addictions, human alcoholism is characterised as a chronically relapsing condition. Consequently, the "holy grail" from a therapeutic viewpoint is the development of clinically effective, safe drugs that promote high compliance rates and prevent relapse. Here we discuss the potential of therapeutics targeting neuropeptide systems implicated in aberrant alcohol-seeking behaviour. Clearly, much of the data so far available comes from preclinical studies; however, one of the first effective therapeutic strategies for alcoholism (still in use today) was the use of non-selective opioid receptor antagonists, such as naltrexone (Revia™). In addition to opioid receptors, other neuropeptide receptors including those for corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), neuropeptide Y and nociceptin may represent valid therapeutic targets to regulate alcohol consumption and the affective consequences of alcohol withdrawal.
Keywords: Alcoholism, neuropeptides, therapeutics
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
Title: Alcoholism and Neuropeptides: An Update
Volume: 5 Issue: 2
Author(s): M. S. Cowen and A. J. Lawrence
Affiliation:
Keywords: Alcoholism, neuropeptides, therapeutics
Abstract: As with other addictions, human alcoholism is characterised as a chronically relapsing condition. Consequently, the "holy grail" from a therapeutic viewpoint is the development of clinically effective, safe drugs that promote high compliance rates and prevent relapse. Here we discuss the potential of therapeutics targeting neuropeptide systems implicated in aberrant alcohol-seeking behaviour. Clearly, much of the data so far available comes from preclinical studies; however, one of the first effective therapeutic strategies for alcoholism (still in use today) was the use of non-selective opioid receptor antagonists, such as naltrexone (Revia™). In addition to opioid receptors, other neuropeptide receptors including those for corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), neuropeptide Y and nociceptin may represent valid therapeutic targets to regulate alcohol consumption and the affective consequences of alcohol withdrawal.
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Cite this article as:
Cowen S. M. and Lawrence J. A., Alcoholism and Neuropeptides: An Update, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2006; 5 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152706776359646
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152706776359646 |
Print ISSN 1871-5273 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1996-3181 |
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