Shu-Chuan Yang a, Kun-Ruey Shieh b, c
aGeneral Education Center, Tzu Chi College of Technology, Hualien, Taiwan
bInstitute of Neuroscience, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
cDepartment of Physiology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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
