AUTHOR=Kim Andrezza K., Brown Robyn M., Lawrence Andrew J. 

TITLE=The role of orexins/hypocretins in alcohol use and abuse: an appetitive-reward relationship

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2012

YEAR=2012

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2012.00078

DOI=10.3389/fnbeh.2012.00078

ISSN=1662-5153

ABSTRACT=Orexins (hypocretins) are neuropeptides synthesized in neurons located in the lateral, perifornical and dorsomedial hypothalamus. These neurons innervate many regions in the brain and modulate multiple other neurotransmitter systems. As a result of these extensive projections and interactions orexins are involved in numerous functions, such as feeding behavior, neuroendocrine regulation, the sleep-wake cycle and reward-seeking. This review will summarise the literature to date which has evaluated a role of orexins in the behavioral effects of alcohol, with a focus on understanding the importance of this peptide and its potential as a potential therapeutic target for alcohol use disorders.