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Targeted expression of μ-opioid receptors in a subset of striatal direct-pathway neurons restores opiate reward

Plain-English AddictionTube research summary with source link, DOI, key finding, and recovery relevance.

Nature Neuroscience • 12 Jan 2014 • Research

opioiddopaminebrain sciencewithdrawalgeneticsanimal study

Research focus

This article may help explain addiction science through research on opioid, dopamine, brain science, withdrawal. The source abstract begins by describing: “μ-opioid receptor (MOR) was previously shown to be necessary for opiate reward, analgesia and dependence.”

Key finding: Our study demonstrates that a subpopulation of striatal direct-pathway neurons is sufficient to support opiate reward-driven behaviors and provides a new intersectional genetic approach to dissecting neurocircuit-specific gene function in vivo.

Why this may help: This may help explain why addiction can involve brain, behavior, mental health, craving, relapse, or treatment factors rather than simple willpower alone. It should be read as research information, not personal medical advice.

Article details

Authors: Yijun Cui, Sean B Ostlund, X William Yang

DOI: 10.1038/nn.3622

Open access: Not marked open access

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Related research topics

Dopamine & Brain Reward Opioid Use Disorder Cravings & Relapse

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Important: These pages summarize research information and source article records. They are not medical advice, diagnosis, emergency support, or a replacement for qualified treatment. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.