D4 DOPAMINERGIC RECEPTOR INVOLVEMENT IN ALCOHOL ABUSE

The dopaminergic system plays a key role in the reward and reinforcement mechanism of the brain. A critical receptor that belongs to the D2 family of dopamine receptors is D4. It seems to be associated with neurological and substance use disorders. D4 knock-outs mice showed a sensibility increase to drugs, such as ethanol and cocaine, although they exhibited reduced exploration behavior. The D4 receptor can be found in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens. Besides, its function is related to cognition, inhibitory control, attention, wakefulness, sleep, and reproductive behavior.