Human genetic and epidemiological studies provide evidence that only a subset of
individuals who experiment with potentially addictive drugs become addicts. What renders …

The CCK (1) receptor is a G-protein-coupled receptor activated by the sulfated forms of
cholecystokinin (CCK), a gastrin-like peptide released in the gastrointestinal tract and …

Sensation/novelty-seeking is amongst the best markers of cocaine addiction in humans.
However, its implication in the vulnerability to cocaine addiction is still a matter of debate, as …

A growing number of studies implicate the brain's reward circuitry in aggressive behavior.
However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms within brain reward regions that modulate …

Nervous systems must not only generate specific adaptive behaviors, such as reproduction,
aggression, feeding, and sleep, but also select a single behavior for execution at any given …

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a powerful technique that is used to detect the localization of
specific nucleic acid sequences for understanding the organization, regulation, and function …

Background High sensation-seekers (HSS) pursue novelty even at the cost of self-harm.
When challenged, HSS are less anxious, show blunted physiological (cortisol, startle) and …

Individual differences in the behavioral responses to a novel environment have been
proposed as a research tool to predict responsiveness to other behavioral tasks, response to …

Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism is characterized by uncontrollable alcohol use and
intoxication, as well as a heightened state of anxiety after alcohol withdrawal. Ethanol …

Microglia play critical roles in healthy brain development and function, as well as the
neuropathology underlying a range of brain diseases. Despite evidence for a role of …