NOP receptor antagonism attenuates reinstatement of alcohol-seeking through modulation of the mesolimbic circuitry in male and female alcohol-preferring rats.

ABSTRACT: In patients suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD), stress and environmental stimuli associated with alcohol availability are important triggers of relapse. Activation of the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor by its endogenous ligand Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) attenuates alcohol drinking and relapse in rodents, suggesting that NOP agonists may be efficacious in treating AUD. Intriguingly, recent data demonstrated that also blockade of NOP receptor reduced alcohol drinking in rodents. To explore further the potential of NOP antagonism, we investigated its effects on the reinstatement of alcohol-seeking elicited by administration of the α2 antagonist yohimbine (1.25 mg/kg, i.p.) or by environmental conditioning factors in male and female genetically selected alcohol-preferring

SUBMITTER: Borruto AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8505627 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature