The role of mitochondria in cocaine addiction

Thornton, Claire; Grad, Etty; Yaka, Rami

Abstract

The incidence of cocaine abuse is increasing especially in the UK where the rates are among the highest in Europe. In addition to its role as a psychostimulant, cocaine has profound effect on brain metabolism, impacting glycolysis and impairing oxidative phosphorylation. Cocaine exposure alters metabolic gene expression and protein networks in brain regions including the prefrontal cortex, the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens, the principal nuclei of the brain reward system. Here, we focus on how cocaine impacts mitochondrial function, in particular through alterations in electron transport chain function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. Finally we describe the impact of cocaine on brain energy metabolism in the developing brain following prenatal exposure. The plethora of mitochondrial functions altered following cocaine exposure suggest that therapies maintaining mitochondrial functional integrity may hold promise in mitigating cocaine pathology and addiction.

Citation

Thornton, C., Grad, E., & Yaka, R. (in press). The role of mitochondria in cocaine addiction. Biochemical Journal,

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Jan 27, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jan 26, 2021
• Print ISSN: 0264-6021
• Publisher: Portland Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: cocaine; mitochondria; metabolism; cell death; oxidative stress; fission; prenatal
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1443231
• Publisher URL: https://portlandpress.com/pages/open_access_policy