Phosphodiesterase type 7 inhibition: A novel mechanism for reduction of alcohol drinking and relapse to alcohol seeking

Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) is a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-specific PDE encompassing two members, PDE7A and PDE7B. These enzymes are expressed in dopaminergic (DAergic) regions of the brain linked to addiction, such as nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Combining behavioral, electrophysiological, and biochemical studies, we established a link between drug addiction and PDE7 function and demonstrated that selective inhibition of PDE7 impacts alcohol addiction. Specifically, using genetically selected alcohol preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msp) rats we demonstrated that PDE7 inhibitors (PDE7i) markedly attenuate home cage alcohol drinking, as well as operant alcohol self-administration.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research