Serotonin neurobiology in cocaine use disorder

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cocaine misuse can escalate, leading to compulsive drug-taking and drug-seeking which characterizes the development of cocaine use disorder (CUD), an acquired brain disorder with clinically significant impairment. Cocaine binds to the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) transporter, inhibits reuptake, and increases extracellular 5-HT efflux within limbic-corticostriatal circuitry involved in CUD neurobiology. The role of 5-HT in the in vivo effects of cocaine depends upon the 5-HT receptors and downstream signaling webs triggered. Multiple 5-HT receptor mechanisms and perturbations in the balance of serotonergic control contribute to basal states of vulnerability to CUD processes as well as the altered neurobiological states that drive the transition toward CUD and promote relapse. This review emphasizes the role of 5-HT and its receptor proteins and the implications of current findings to the future of therapeutics to enhance recovery and extend abstinence from CUD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHandbook of Behavioral Neuroscience
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages745-802
Number of pages58
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Publication series

NameHandbook of Behavioral Neuroscience
Volume31
ISSN (Print)1569-7339

Keywords

  • 5-HT receptors
  • Cocaine
  • Cocaine use disorder
  • Cue reactivity
  • Impulsivity
  • Serotonin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Serotonin neurobiology in cocaine use disorder'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this