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Early Life Stress and Susceptibility to Substance Abuse in Adulthood: Unveiling Oxytocin Signaling Pathways
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Ali Mousavi   , Nayere Askari , Manijeh Dogani , Mohammad Reza Vaez-Mahdavi |
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Abstract: (243 Views) |
Introduction: Stress significantly contributes to addiction risk, particularly among individuals who encountered early life stress. While the precise mechanisms remain elusive, multiple signaling pathways have been implicated in shaping vulnerability to addiction. Of note, oxytocin, a key player in addiction-related signaling systems, intricately interacts with reward networks and stress responses, creating a complex interplay that underscores susceptibility to substance abuse. Oxytocin's intricate ties to central and peripheral signaling systems relevant to addiction's onset and perpetuation are undeniable. Its interplay with diverse drugs modulates reward systems, while also influencing brain stress systems to regulate anxiety and stress reactivity. Consequently, oxytocin's role serves as a potential explanation for heightened addiction vulnerability in stress-exposed individuals.
Methods and Materials: This study involved collecting brain and blood samples from rats subjected to early life stress and control subjects. The qPCR method facilitated the analysis of gene modulations tied to addiction and reward pathways (BDNF, trkB, D1 & D2 receptors, Mu & Kappa receptors, oxytocin & oxytocin receptor). To detect corticosterone and oxytocin levels, the ElISA method was employed.
Results: Distinct alterations in the expression of selected genes emerged in rats exposed to early life stress. Moreover, stressed rats exhibited elevated corticosterone levels and diminished oxytocin levels relative to control counterparts.
Conclusion: The adaptive shifts in gene expression within brain reward regions and oxytocinergic pathways in stressed rats provide a crucial connection between stress and vulnerability to addictive substances during adolescence. These findings enrich our understanding of the intricate dynamics between early life stress and addiction susceptibility, potentially guiding future interventions aimed at mitigating addiction risk.
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| Keywords: early life stress, substance abuse, adulthood stress, oxytocin |
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Full-Text [PDF 256 kb]
(34 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2024/02/12 | Accepted: 2023/08/23 | Published: 2023/08/23
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