Neurohypophyseal Hormones and Drugs of Misuse

Abstract

A growing body of evidence suggests that neurohypophyseal hormones like oxytocin are able to modulate drug taking and susceptibility to addiction through interactions with a number of key neurobiological systems that are implicated in addiction processes. This chapter will describe the synthesis and role of these hormones and will examine the advantages and disadvantages of the methods of detection of oxytocin and vasopressin in humans. It will also describe the evidence relating to the relationship between peripheral and central concentrations of oxytocin and vasopressin. Lastly, it will highlight the relationship between the neurohypophyseal hormones and drugs of abuse. All studies associating neurohypophyseal hormones with behaviour rely upon accurate quantitation of peptide concentrations. Following extensive discussion in the field, the debate is ongoing as to which are the most appropriate methods for sample collection and analysis. This chapter will pull together the evidence in order to provide a current overview of the options and opportunities.