Galanin can attenuate opiate reinforcement and withdrawal

Abstract

Galanin and its receptors are expressed in brain areas associated with opiate reinforcement and withdrawal. An emerging body of data suggests that galanin can attenuate the neurochemical, physiological and behavioral signs of opiate reinforcement and withdrawal. Experiments in transgenic mice overexpressing galanin and knockout mice lacking the peptide support a role for endogenous galanin in modulating the actions of opiates on brain regions associated with reinforcement and withdrawal. These studies suggest that galanin receptor agonists could be useful therapeutic agents to combat opiate addiction. Further, genetic variation in the genes encoding galanin and its receptors could be associated with altered susceptibility to opiate dependence.