This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

trusted source

proofread

Study shows two neural pathways involved in fentanyl addiction

Study shows two neural pathways involved in fentanyl addiction
Cellular and anatomical characterization of µOR-expressing CeA neurons. a, Left, representative example of CeA imaged by single-molecule fluorescent in situ hybridization (smFISH) for Oprm1 (blue), somatostatin (Sst) (green) and Prkcd (red) mRNA. Right, quantification of co-localization between Sst- and Prkcd-positive neurons b, Left, representative example of CeA imaged by smFISH for µOR (Oprm1) (white), Sst (green) and Prkcd (red). Right, quantification of Oprm1-positive neurons among the Sst+ and Prkcd+ populations. c, Schematic of mouse preparation to visualize the µOR-expressing CeA efferent pathway (top) and representative image showing injection (bottom). d, Projection site of µOR-expressing CeA neurons in the parabrachial lateral nucleus (PBL) and the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTv) and dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTd). Credit: Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07440-x

A team of neuroscientists at the University of Geneva, working with a colleague from the University of Strasbourg, Institute for Advanced Study, and another from Université de Montpellier CNRS, reports that there are two neural pathways involved when people become addicted to fentanyl.

In their study published in the journal Nature, the group tested the brains of administered fentanyl and again as they underwent withdrawal from the drug.

Prior research has shown that the opioid fentanyl is highly addictive and that the pleasurable feeling users get is due to being released in the midbrain. Less is known about the factors involved in the withdrawal that users experience upon cessation.

In this new study, the research team conducted lab experiments with test mice to learn more about the factors involved in making fentanyl so addictive.

The researchers administered regular injections of fentanyl to test mice for three days and studied their brains to find out what the drug was doing. As previously reported, the researchers found that in the were aroused by the increase in dopamine.

Taking a closer look, they found that the presence of fentanyl inhibited tamping activity involved with neurons that release dopamine, leading to an increase in dopamine production, producing strong feelings of pleasure.

After the three days were up, the researchers halted the fentanyl and also gave the mice naloxone, which induced immediate . Testing of their brains showed an increase in in parts of the amygdala known to be involved in processing negative memories and scary experiences. Under a microscope, the neurons were found to have receptors capable of responding directly to fentanyl.

The research team also found that removing receptors in the ventral tegmental area stopped the pleasurable effects of fentanyl but not the withdrawal symptoms—knocking out the receptors in the amygdala did the trick. They also found that if they engineered the same neurons to respond to light, the mice would learn to reduce their withdrawal symptoms by turning on the light.

The researchers conclude that the reason is so addictive is due to the amount of dopamine that is released into the brain and because of the highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that arise when its use is stopped.

More information: Fabrice Chaudun et al, Distinct µ-opioid ensembles trigger positive and negative fentanyl reinforcement, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07440-x

Journal information: Nature

© 2024 Science X Network

Citation: Study shows two neural pathways involved in fentanyl addiction (2024, May 23) retrieved 16 June 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-05-neural-pathways-involved-fentanyl-addiction.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Understanding the effects of fentanyl

52 shares

Feedback to editors