The neuropeptide dynorphin (DYN) activates kappa opioid receptors (KORs) in the brain to
produce depressive-like states and decrease motivation. KOR-mediated suppression of …

Background Dynorphin, an endogenous ligand at kappa opioid receptors (KORs), produces
depressive-like effects and contributes to addictive behavior in male nonhuman primates …

Behavioral, biological, and social sequelae that lead to drug addiction differ between men
and women. Our efforts to understand addiction on a mechanistic level must include studies …

We reported previously that the selective agonist U50, 488H promoted phosphorylation of
the mouse kappa opioid receptor (mKOR) in vitro at four residues in the C-terminal domain …

Drug dependence is characterized by dysregulation of brain reward systems and increased
sensitivity to stress. Chronic exposure to drugs of abuse is associated with increased …

Behavioral stress exposure increases the risk of drug-taking in individuals with substance
use disorders by mechanisms involving the dynorphins, which are the endogenous …

Introduction Studies in laboratory animals and humans indicate that endogenous opioids
play an important role in regulating the rewarding value of various drugs, including ethanol …

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) core is involved in regulating stress and shaping reward
seeking behaviours. Multiple neuromodulators, including dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor …

The dynorphin-like peptides have profound effects on the state of the brain reward system
and human and animal behavior. The dynorphin-like peptides affect locomotor activity, food …

There is increasing evidence in humans and laboratory animals for biologically based sex
differences in every phase of drug addiction: acute reinforcing effects, transition from …