The nucleus accumbens is a major input structure of the basal ganglia and integrates
information from cortical and limbic structures to mediate goal-directed behaviors. Chronic …

The antiporter system xc− imports the amino acid cystine, the oxidized form of cysteine, into
cells with a 1: 1 counter-transport of glutamate. It is composed of a light chain, xCT, and a …

Background and rationale Results from many clinical studies suggest that drug relapse and
craving are often provoked by acute exposure to the self-administered drug or related drugs …

Objective: Preclinical findings suggest that the over-the-counter supplement N-
acetylcysteine (NAC), via glutamate modulation in the nucleus accumbens, holds promise …

Substance and alcohol use disorders impose large health and economic burdens on
individuals, families, communities, and society. Neither prevention nor treatment efforts are …

The repeated use of drugs that directly or indirectly stimulate dopamine transmission carry
addiction liability and produce enduring pathological changes in the brain circuitry that …

Until very recently addiction-research was limited by existing tools and strategies that were
inadequate for studying the inherent complexity at each of the different phenomenological …

Nicotine abuse and addiction is a major health liability. Nicotine, an active alkaloid in
tobacco, is self-administered by animals and produces cellular adaptations in brain regions …

Addiction is characterized as a chronic relapsing disorder whereby addicted individuals
persistently engage in drug seeking and use despite profound negative consequences. The …

Acid-sensing ion channel 1A (ASIC1A) is abundant in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a
region known for its role in addiction. Because ASIC1A has been suggested to promote …