Addiction and arousal: the hypocretin connection

The hypocretins, also known as orexins, are two neuropeptides now commonly described as critical components to maintain and regulate the stability of arousal. Several lines of evidence have raised the hypothesis that hypocretin-producing neurons are part of the circuitries that mediate the hypothalamic response to acute stress. Intracerebral administration of hypocretin leads to a dose-related reinstatement of drug and food seeking behaviors. Furthermore, stress-induced reinstatement can be blocked with hypocretin receptor 1 antagonism. These results, together with recent data showing that hypocretin is critically involved in cocaine sensitization through the recruitment of NMDA receptors in the ventral tegmental area, strongly suggest that activation of hypocretin neurons play a critical role in the development of the addiction process. The activity of hypocretin neurons may affect addictive behavior by contributing to brain sensitization or by modulating the brain reward system. Hypocretinergic cells, in coordination with brain stress systems may lead to a vulnerable state that facilitates the resumption of drug seeking behavior. Hence, the hypocretinergic system is a new drug target that may be used to prevent relapse of drug seeking

Girl Connection, December 2002

Newsletter for iowa Commission on the Status of Women

Girl Connection, Summer 2002

Newsletter for Commission on the Status of Women

Girl Connection, Spring 2002

Newsletter for the Commission on the Status of Women

Girl Connection, November 2001

Newsletter for Iowa Commission on the Status of Women

VIP Connection Newsletter, August 2001, Vol. 1, no. 4

Iowa Lottery Authority Player Information Newsletter

VIP Connection Newsletter, December 2001, Vol. 1, no. 5

Iowa Lottery Authority Player Information Newsletter

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Iowa Lottery Authority Player Information Newsletter

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Iowa Lottery Authority Player Information Newsletter

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Iowa Lottery Authority Player Information Newsletter

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Iowa Lottery Authority Player Information Newsletter

Girl Connection, December 2003

A monthly newsletter for Iowa Commission on the Status of Women

Girl Connection, February 2004

A monthly newsletter for Iowa Commission on the Status of Women

Girl Connection, April 2004

Bimonthly newsletter of the Iowa Gender-Specific Services Task Force. This issue discusses girls and the impact of involvement in sports and other physical activities.

Girl Connection, June 2004

Bimonthly newsletter of the Iowa Gender-Specific Services Task Force. This issue discusses girls and the impact of involvement in sports and other physical activities.