Tzu Chi Medical Journal
Volume 20, Issue 4 , Pages 248-252, December 2008

Cocaine- and Amphetamine-regulated Transcript (CART) Peptide and the Mesolimbic and Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Systems

  • Shu-Chuan Yang

      Affiliations

    • General Education Center, Tzu Chi College of Technology, Hualien, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Kun-Ruey Shieh

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Neuroscience, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
    • Department of Physiology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Institute of Neuroscience, Tzu Chi University, 701, Section 3, Chung-Yang Road, Hualien, Taiwan

Received 10 March 2008; received in revised form 28 March 2008; accepted 5 April 2008.

Abstract 

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide was discovered in the treatment of cocaine and amphetamine addiction in rats and received its name from this relationship. The functional role of CART peptide is strongly associated with feeding behaviors, and reward and reinforcement. Recently, a number of studies have shown that mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal activities are also under the regulation of CART peptide. In this mini-review, we will introduce the current knowledge on the neuroanatomical, neurochemical and behavioral aspects of interactions of CART peptide with the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine pathways. Overall, it is clear that there are functional interactions among CART peptide, dopamine, and psychostimulants. The next step is to clarify the receptor(s) and mechanisms of CART peptide to develop potential therapeutic drugs.

Keywords:  Nucleus accumbens , Prefrontal cortex , Striatum

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PII: S1016-3190(08)60047-6

doi:10.1016/S1016-3190(08)60047-6

Tzu Chi Medical Journal
Volume 20, Issue 4 , Pages 248-252, December 2008

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