Effects of galanin on monoaminergic systems and HPA axis: Potential mechanisms underlying the effects of galanin on addiction- and stress-related behaviors

Brain Res. 2010 Feb 16:1314:206-18. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.08.033. Epub 2009 Aug 20.

Abstract

Like a number of neuropeptides, galanin can alter neural activity in brain areas that are important for both stress-related behaviors and responses to drugs of abuse. Accordingly, drugs that target galanin receptors can alter behavioral responses to drugs of abuse and can modulate stress-related behaviors. Stress and drug-related behaviors are interrelated: stress can promote drug-seeking, and drug exposure and withdrawal can increase activity in brain circuits involved in the stress response. We review here what is known about the ability of galanin and galanin receptors to alter neuronal activity, and we discuss potential mechanisms that may underlie the effects of galanin on behaviors involved in responses to stress and addictive drugs. Understanding the mechanisms underlying galanin's effects on neuronal function in brain regions related to stress and addiction may be useful in developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of stress- and addiction-related disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biogenic Monoamines / physiology*
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Galanin / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology*
  • Limbic System / drug effects
  • Limbic System / metabolism
  • Limbic System / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Galanin / drug effects
  • Receptors, Galanin / metabolism
  • Stress, Psychological / metabolism
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / metabolism
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / metabolism
  • Substance-Related Disorders / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Biogenic Monoamines
  • Receptors, Galanin
  • Galanin