Cellular and neuronal mechanisms that underlie addiction- literature review

Authors

  • Maria Grzymkowska Student Reaserach Group of Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland Author
  • Anna Grzywacz https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6564-2141 Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2633-520X
  • Aleksandra Strońska-Pluta Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6564-2141
  • Jolanta Masiak II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5127-5838
  • Katarzyna Błaszczak Student Scientific Association "SALUS", Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, Poland Author
  • Justyna Chwałczyńska Student Scientific Association "SALUS", Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, Poland Author
  • Jolanta Chmielowiec Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra,Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3285-5313
  • Łukasz Zadroga Student Reaserach Group of Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland Author
  • Elżbieta Grzywacz Student Research Group of Department of Oral Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland Author
  • Krzysztof Chmielowiec Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra,Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4254-5466

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/cpp-2022-0016

Keywords:

reward system, DRD2 gene, DAT, dopamine

Abstract

Introduction: Addictive substances act on a number of neurotransmitter systems, and the end result of this action is the activation of the reward system in the brain. The cellular and neuronal mechanisms that underlie addiction have long been searched for. One of such neurotransmitters is dopamine, a catecholamine synthesized in neurons located mainly in the midbrain.

Material and method: The available literature was reviewed on the Pubmed platform and from other sources. The analysis included original studies, reviews.

The aim of the study was to review the literature on the relationship between the DRD2 gene and the occurrence of substance addiction.

Discussion: This work presents several currently discussed biological mechanisms, especially at the molecular and genetic level, involved in the process of addiction to various psychoactive substances. They discovered the brain structures that are most at risk, as well as other neurotransmitter systems and receptor proteins through which they can exert their pathological effects. It has also been established that exposure to psychoactive substances causes significant changes in expression in over 100 genes (including genes for dopaminergic, serotonergic and signaling pathways). The DRD2 receptor (present, among others, in the nucleus accumbens) plays an important role in the reward system, in the transmission of information. The weakening of this conductivity is a significant risk factor for the onset of clinical features that are associated with reward system deficiency syndrome. The expression of the D2 receptor gene may take up to 2 isoforms: short D2S and long D2L.

Conclusions: Further research at the molecular level may result in the modification of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in terms of their personalization.

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Published

2022-12-28

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 4 (2022): Current Problems of Psychiatry

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