GABAergic Inhibition and Cocaine Addiction

Project Description Narrative:

Alcohol and drug abuse are the fourth leading cause of death in Wisconsin behind heart disease, cancer, and stroke. MCW research data show that 33% of assumed health cocaine users in the greater Milwaukee area are infected with the hepatitis C virus, 5% with hepatitis B, and 2% with HIV. Thus, cocaine addiction is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and takes a high medical, social, and economic toll on society. At present, no medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cocaine addiction.

This project will investigate the mechanisms underlying cocaine-induced reduction of GABAergic inhibition and identify compounds that block this reduced inhibition and associated addictive behavior. It is the researchers’ belief that research on the mechanism for cocaine addiction will eventually lead to more effective treatments. Successful completion of this project will help develop novel strategies for the treatment of cocaine addiction.