A neuroeconomic theory of bidirectional synaptic plasticity and addiction

Abstract

Summary:Neuronal mechanisms underlying addiction have been attracting attention in neurobiology, economics, neuropsychiatry, and neuroeconomics. This paper proposes a possible link between economic theory of addiction (Becker and Murphy, 1988) and neurobiological theory of bidirectional synaptic plasticity (Bienenstock, Cooper, Munro, 1982) based on recent findings in neuroeconomics and neurobiology of addiction.Furthermore, it is suggested that several neurobiological substrates such as cortisol (a stress hormone), NMDA and AMPA receptors/subunits and intracellular calcium in the postsynaptic neurons are critical factors determining parameters in Becker and Murphy's economic theory of addiction. Future directions in the application of the theory to studies in neuroeconomics and neuropsychiatry of addiction and its relation to stress at the molecular level are discussed.

DNA polymorphism in the FKBP5 gene affects impulsivity in intertemporal choice

“…Investigations of the relationship between impulsivity and stress regulation are important for a better understanding of the role of stress in addiction (Takahashi, ; Takahashi et al ., ; Bruijnzeel, ), in anti‐social behavior (Vaillancourt and Sunderani, ), and in suicidal behavior (Kamali et al ., ). The key system in the stress response is regulated by the faster activity of the adrenergic neurotransmitters (i.e.…”