Current Understanding of the Neurobiology of Opioid Use Disorder: an Overview

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review provides an overview of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying opioid use disorder (OUD) drawing from genetic, functional, and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research.Recent FindingsPreliminary evidence suggests an association between OUD and specific variants of the DRD2, δ-opioid receptor 1 (OPRD1), and μ-opioid receptor 1 (OPRM1) genes. Additionally, MRI research indicates functional and structural alterations in striatal and corticolimbic brain regions and pathways underlying reward, emotion/stress, and cognitive control processes among individuals with OUD.SummaryIndividual differences in genetic and functional and structural brain-based features are correlated with differences in OUD severity and treatment outcomes, and therefore may potentially one day be used to inform OUD treatment selection. However, given the heterogeneous findings reported, further longitudinal research across different stages of opioid addiction is needed to yield a convergent characterization of OUD and improve treatment and prevention.

Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - January 17, 2019 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research