Neurobiology of Addiction Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Neurobiology of Addiction flashcards as text
Which neurotransmitter system is primarily responsible for the rewarding effects of most addictive substances?
Answer: Dopaminergic system
The dopaminergic system, particularly the mesolimbic pathway, mediates reward and reinforcement central to the addictive properties of most substances.
The mesolimbic dopamine pathway originates from which brain region?
Answer: Ventral tegmental area
The mesolimbic pathway originates in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projects to the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.
Long-term substance use causes downregulation of dopamine D2 receptors, contributing primarily to which phenomenon?
Answer: Tolerance and anhedonia
Chronic dopamine surges cause receptor downregulation, reducing the brain's response to natural rewards and producing tolerance and anhedonia characteristic of addiction.
Which brain structure is most implicated in conditioned cue-induced drug craving?
Answer: Amygdala
The amygdala encodes emotional memories associated with drug use; re-exposure to conditioned cues activates the amygdala, driving intense cravings.
Dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex in addiction primarily impairs which capacity?
Answer: Inhibitory control and decision-making
The prefrontal cortex governs executive function; its hypofunctionality in addiction impairs inhibitory control, contributing to compulsive drug-seeking despite negative consequences.
Opioid-induced euphoria and analgesia are primarily mediated by agonism at which receptor type?
Answer: Mu-opioid receptors
Mu-opioid receptors (MOR) are the primary mediators of opioid-induced euphoria, analgesia, and respiratory depression, and are central to opioid use disorder pathophysiology.
Neurobiological tolerance to opioids is primarily driven by which cellular mechanism?
Answer: Receptor desensitization and internalization
Repeated opioid exposure causes mu-opioid receptor desensitization (uncoupling from G-proteins) and internalization, reducing cellular response to the same dose.