Posted by undopaminergic on June 5, 2008, at 8:03:30
In reply to Re: 2006 article » undopaminergic, posted by iforgotmypassword on June 3, 2008, at 15:08:34
> > > http://opioids.com/kappa/kappa-dopamine.html
> > >
> > > if kappa agonism can prevent dopaminergic projection into the prefrontal cortex, it may be a significant cause of executive functioning issues?
> > >
> >
> > Yes, I think so, and I've noted a remarkable improvement of executive function after adding buprenorphine - the most potent kappa-antagonist in clinical use - to my regimen of methylphenidate and guanfacine.
> >
> > > (i want to try naltrexone, but i worry its lack of selectivity, and the fact that it is very old and concrete knowledge of it's carcinogenic potential is just not there, making the idea of long term use seem a bit creepy. sigh.)
> > >
> >
> > While I'm not particularly worried about its carcinogenic potential, I'm highly suspicious of its antagonism of mu-opioid receptors, as this may reduce dopamine release especially in the nucleus accumbens.
>
> i don't know how easily i could get a buprenorphine rx. it's the most potent kappa antagonist in clinical use? how low can you go and still have the ideal amount of kappa antagonism needed? what are it's other effects/affinities at a kappa-blocking dose?
>The ideal dose of buprenorphine is unclear, and I am in fact trying to determine it myself. I expect it to be in the range 0.3 to 4 mg a day.
> i figure i could at least try naltrexone,
Nalmefene may be an alternative to that.
> unless someone knows how to get nor-binaltorphimine...
>It's available from some chemical suppliers. Some of them may, for a number of reasons, not be willing to sell to individual consumers, and so are best approached in the name of an company or other organisation.
> i have to admit i know nothing about the mu receptor, or the NAc, or what cognitive or neuropsych functions depend on dopaminergic activity in the NAc (as opposed to the PFC.)
>It plays a major role in motivation and incentive, but also reinforcement, memory, desire, and many other functions and aspects of behaviour.
The shell of the NAc is regarded as the pleasure centre of the brain, and dopamine plays a major role in its neurochemistry, but dopamine does not really appear to be responsible for the feelings of pleasure and joy, but rather for the motivation, desire, anticipation, and drive to achieve these feelings.
poster:undopaminergic
thread:831631
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080418/msgs/833047.html