Dorsal BNST α_2A-Adrenergic Receptors Produce HCN-Dependent Excitatory Actions That Initiate Anxiogenic Behaviors.

ABSTRACT: Stress is a precipitating agent in neuropsychiatric disease and initiates relapse to drug-seeking behavior in addicted patients. Targeting the stress system in protracted abstinence from drugs of abuse with anxiolytics may be an effective treatment modality for substance use disorders. α_2A-adrenergic receptors (α_2A-ARs) in extended amygdala structures play key roles in dampening stress responses. Contrary to early thinking, α_2A-ARs are expressed at non-noradrenergic sites in the brain. These non-noradrenergic α_2A-ARs play important roles in stress responses, but their cellular mechanisms of action are unclear. In humans, the α_2A-AR agonist guanfacine reduces overall craving and uncouples craving from stress, yet minimally affects relap

SUBMITTER: Harris NA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6191524 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature