A study coordinated by the UAB, based on computer models and human cell cultures, shows that big dynorphin, an endogenous opioid peptide, protects neurons against the cytotoxic effects of β-amyloid ...

The KOPr and the endogenous KOPr ligand dynorphin are enriched in the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens (Acb), and prefrontal cortex; brain regions that regulate mood and motivation.

The dynorphin opioid peptides control glutamate neurotransmission in the hippocampus. Alcohol-induced dysregulation of this circuit may lead to impairments in spatial learning and memory. This study ...

Neuroscientists have identified a neural circuit in the amygdala, the brain's seat of emotion processing, that gives rise to anxiety. Their insight has revealed the critical role of a molecule called ...

Scientists have discovered a mechanism which stops the process of forgetting anxiety after a stress event. In experiments they showed that feelings of anxiety don’t subside if too little dynorphin is ...

A new study by Scripps Research reveals that alcohol dependence disrupts two signaling pathways in a stress-related part of the brain—and offers insights on developing drugs to treat this condition.