CARN Neurobiology of Addiction 2

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for the reinforcing effects of addictive substances in the mesolimbic pathway?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens via the mesolimbic pathway mediates the rewarding and reinforcing effects of addictive substances.

Question 2

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) sends dopaminergic projections to which structure most critically involved in drug reward?

Accepted Answer

Nucleus accumbens

Answer

The VTA projects dopaminergic neurons to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), forming the mesolimbic pathway central to reward and addiction.

Question 3

Neuroadaptation to chronic opioid use leads to upregulation of which intracellular signaling pathway, contributing to tolerance?

Accepted Answer

PKA/cAMP pathway

Answer

Chronic opioid exposure causes upregulation of the adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/PKA pathway (cAMP superactivation), which underlies tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Question 4

Which brain region is most associated with drug-cue conditioned responses and craving triggered by environmental stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

The amygdala encodes emotional memories associated with drug use and mediates conditioned responses to drug-related cues that trigger craving.

Question 5

Delta FosB accumulation in the nucleus accumbens after repeated drug exposure is significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Acts as a long-lasting transcription factor increasing addiction vulnerability

Answer

Delta FosB is a stable transcription factor that accumulates with repeated drug exposure and persistently alters gene expression, increasing addiction vulnerability.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN Neurobiology of Addiction 2