The mesolimbic reward system originating from dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain shows a profound reduction in function during cannabinoid withdrawal. This condition may underlie aversive states that lead to compulsive drug seeking and relapse. The lateral habenula (LHb) exerts negative control over the VTA via the GABA rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg),...
The increased legal availability of cannabis has led to a common misconception that it is a safe natural remedy for, among others, pregnancy-related ailments such as morning sickness. Emerging clinical evidence, however, indicates that prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) predisposes offspring to various neuropsychiatric disorders linked to aberrant dopaminergic function. Yet, our knowledge of how...
Recently, an increasing number of emergency cases due to a novel ketamine-like drug, methoxetamine (MXE), were reported in several countries. However, very little is known about the neuropsychopharmacological and reinforcing profile of this compound. Our study aims to investigate the effects of MXE on self-administration (SA) behaviour in comparison to ketamine and on dopaminergic transmission....