The opioid peptides enkephalin and beta-endorphin in alcohol dependence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Experimental evidence indicates that the endogenous opioid system influences stress responses as well as reinforces effects of addictive drugs. Because stress is an important factor contributing to drug dependence and relapse, we have now studied ethanol preference in enkephalin- and beta-endorphin-deficient mice under baseline conditions and after stress exposure.

Methods

In the present study we used a two-bottle choice paradigm to study ethanol consumption and stress-induced ethanol preference. To examine alcohol withdrawal symptoms the forced drinking procedure was employed. We performed an association analysis in two case-control samples of alcohol addicts to determine whether these opioid peptides also contribute to ethanol dependence in humans.

Results

SUBMITTER: Racz I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2646839 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature