Noradrenergic circuits and signaling in substance use disorders

Abstract

The central noradrenergic system innervates almost all regions of the brain and, as such, is well positioned to modulate many neural circuits implicated in behaviors and physiology underlying substance use disorders. Ample pharmacological evidence demonstrates that α₁, α₂, and β adrenergic receptors may serve as therapeutic targets to reduce drug -seeking behavior and drug withdrawal symptoms. Further, norepinephrine is a key modulator of the stress response, and stress has been heavily implicated in reinstatement of drug taking. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of noradrenergic circuitry and noradrenergic receptor signaling in the context of opioid, alcohol, and psychostimulant use disorders.

Keywords: Alcohol; Locus coeruleus; Norepinephrine; Nucleus of the tractus solitarius; Opioids; Psychostimulants.