Neuropsychopharmacology Podcast

Although psychostimulant abusers comprise one of the fastest growing populations of HIV-infected patients, relatively little is known about how HIV may impact the rewarding effects of abused drugs. Dr. Jay P. McLaughlin discusses how a protein associated with HIV infection, called HIV-1 Tat, may increase vulnerability for drug addiction. His research shows that mice who express HIV-1 Tat display an enhanced sensitivity to the rewarding properties of cocaine. The results suggest that just as addiction raises the risk of HIV, HIV may raise the risk of addiction.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.