INVOLVEMENT OF IMIDAZOLINE SYSTEM IN DRUG ADDICTION

INVOLVEMENT OF IMIDAZOLINE SYSTEM IN DRUG ADDICTION (Abstract): The imidazoline system (a concept which is barely over decades old) consists in imidazoline r e- ceptors I1, I2 and I3 and their active endogenous ligands, the most important of which is ag- matine. Brain contains both I1 and I2 of imidazoline receptors. One of the most important functions of this system is modulation of different behaviour components, such as suicidal behaviour, stress, anxiety, food intake etc. Own data preliminary data revealed different ef- fects of α2 and imidazoline-receptors antagonists on morphine conditioned place preference (efaroxan reduces its intensity, while idazoxan has no influence); this reveals a possible di f- ferent role of I1 and I2 receptors in reward system. Keywords: IMIDAZOLINE RECEP- TORS, REWARD SYSTEM, DRUG ADDICTION