Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Cocaine and Glutamate
New research suggests that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a common (and over-the-counter) cystic fibrosis treatment, may be an effective treatment for cocaine withdrawal. Cocaine interferes with glutamate antiporters, reducing the amount of extracellular glutamate in the brain, which seems to be at the root of withdrawal symptoms. NAC raises these levels, and prevents symptoms.
The release does not note that the antiporter blockage must also alter (raise, I presume) intracellular glutamate levels - which must have some effect. I wonder what?
Glutamate is the most common neurotransmitter in the brain, and is implicated not only in drug addiction and withdrawal, but also in alcoholism, schizophrenia, and depression. These findings could have major implications on all of those conditions.
The release does not note that the antiporter blockage must also alter (raise, I presume) intracellular glutamate levels - which must have some effect. I wonder what?
Glutamate is the most common neurotransmitter in the brain, and is implicated not only in drug addiction and withdrawal, but also in alcoholism, schizophrenia, and depression. These findings could have major implications on all of those conditions.
