Research Article Open Access

Role of HIV-1 Infection in Addictive Behavior: A Study of a HIV-1 Transgenic Rat Model

Sulie L. Chang1 and Michael Vigorito1
  • 1 Seton Hall University, United States

Abstract

Epidemiological research indicates that drug abuse is prevalent among individuals infected with HIV-1. Evidence from preclinical research also suggests that drugs of abuse exacerbate the progression of neuropathological changes in the HIV-1 infected brain probably through common mechanisms of neuronal injury. The effects of HIV-1 on the efficacy and abuse potential of controlled drugs such as morphine, however, has not been explored. The current study reports that the noninfectious HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1 Tg) rat shows up-regulated expression of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) at the transcriptional level and functional supersensitivity to morphine, a MOR agonist. Compared to nontransgenic control rats, the HIV-1 Tg rats also show greater motivation to run in a wheel, a behavior that is known to be associated with increased drug self-administration. These results suggest the potential role of HIV-1 infection in enhancing vulnerability to addiction and this possibility warrants further investigation to better understand the link between HIV-1 infection and the abuse of drugs including opioids.

American Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume 2 No. 2, 2006, 98-106

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajidsp.2006.98.106

Submitted On: 3 July 2006 Published On: 30 June 2006

How to Cite: Chang, S. L. & Vigorito, M. (2006). Role of HIV-1 Infection in Addictive Behavior: A Study of a HIV-1 Transgenic Rat Model. American Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2(2), 98-106. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajidsp.2006.98.106

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Keywords

  • HIV
  • morphine
  • mu opioid receptor
  • wheel running
  • addiction