| 19372737 |
Newton PM, Messing RO: The N-type calcium channel is a novel target for treating alcohol use disorders. Channels. 2009 Mar-Apr;3(2):77-81. Epub 2009 Mar 28.
We recently validated the N-type calcium channel as a target for the treatment of alcoholism and anxiety. N-type calcium channels are neuronal presynaptic ion channels that regulate neurotransmitter release at many sites in the brain. Mice lacking N-type calcium channels exhibit reduced ethanol consumption and show resistance to the acute intoxicating effects of ethanol. In wild type rodents, pretreatment with a novel N- and T-type calcium channel blocker, NP078585, reduces the intoxicating and reinforcing effects of ethanol and abolishes stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking. Here we discuss these findings and expand upon their implications for the N-type calcium channel as a target for drug development. An important consideration in the development of drugs to treat any addiction is that the medication itself not be addictive. We attempted, and failed, to generate a conditioned place preference for NP078585, suggesting that NP078585 is not rewarding. |
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