Zeitschrift für Suchtforschung und -therapie

Abstrakt

Galanin Receptors as Pharmacological Targets in the Treatment of Addiction,Drug Rehabilitation, Drug Addiction Treatment,Morphine Addiction, Drug Addiction Treatment, Cocaine-Related Disorders, Cocaine Addiction, Opioid-Related Disorders, Substance-Related Disorders

Belinda L. Ash and Elvan Djouma

Drug and alcohol abuse present an ongoing problem from both a financial and psychosocial perspective. As the worldwide prevalence of drug-abuse grows, research into the use of novel pharmacotherapies continues. Recently, the neuropeptide galanin has been implicated in the rewarding effects of addictive substances and drug-seeking behaviour. Galanin acts by binding to three receptor subtypes, which are localised within many brain regions that play a primary role in addiction. Consequently, this paper sought to review the most recent literature with particular interest in the role of galanin and its receptors in alcoholism, drug-abuse and associated mood disorders. Further, we compile the experimental findings that suggest a potential role for galanin and its three receptor subtypes in the treatment of addiction and drug-seeking behaviour. Of particular focus in this review is the large amount of experimental evidence that supports an association between the galanin-3 receptor, alcoholism and mood disorders. Ultimately, further investigation of galanin receptors as potential drug targets may contribute to the creation of new pharmacotherapies for drug dependence.