CPDD 78th Annual Scientific Meeting Program

Sunday, June 12
SYMPOSIA
I. Developing innovative brain stimulation treatment options for substancedependent
individuals: Translating basic science knowledge of neural
circuits to our clinics
Chairs: Colleen Hanlon and Antonello Bonci
In the last decade we have become increasingly aware of the role that frontal- striatal
circuits have on drug-taking behavior and relapse. Using elegant molecular techniques,
we are able to change drug-taking behavior by modulating these circuits. Until recently,
however, there were no techniques available to modulate these circuits in our patients.
Developing brain stimulation as a treatment option for addiction is one of the goals of
NIDA’s new strategic plan. SPECIFIC AIMS: We will introduce transcranial magnetic
stimulation (TMS), provide a theoretical model for approaching addiction treatment,
and highlight current TMS research in a diverse population of patients with substance
use disorders (SUD). APPROACH: First, we will describe a theoretical framework for
selecting neural circuit based targets likely to be fruitful candidates for SUD treatment.
This will be followed by presentations from several laboratories that are evaluating the
efficacy of TMS as a tool to decrease craving and/or increase cognitive control in
alcoholics, nicotine smokers, prescription opiate users, and cocaine users. Each of
these presentations will highlight both the successes and the challenges they faced
when applying these techniques to patients. Finally, we will return to the theoretical
model and describe links to both basic science research as well as pragmatic issues
required to bring TMS to outpatients.
II.
Influence of metabolic hormones on reward processing and addiction
Chairs: Arbi Nazarian and Minda Lynch
Peripherally based metabolic hormones play significant roles in regulation of
homeostatic feeding and satiation systems, with their dysregulation leading to
conditions such as obesity and diabetes. More recent examinations have revealed that
metabolic hormones are also active modulators of natural hedonic processing for food,
as well as modulators of reward processing to drugs of abuse by acting within the
mesocorticolimbic system. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of
metabolic hormones can shed light on the contribution of these hormones on reward
signaling in the brain and facilitate development of novel therapeutic approaches for
the treatment of drug and food addiction. In this symposium, findings will be
presented demonstrating the modulatory role of metabolic hormones in alcoholism in
humans, rodent models of nicotine and cocaine abuse, as well as food intake. The aim
of this symposium is to 1) introduce the audience to metabolic hormones, as
modulators of reward processing; 2) develop an understanding of the intricate
interaction of the peripheral endocrine system with reward signaling; and 3) encourage
consideration and investigation of the influence of metabolic hormones in studies of
addiction.