Commentary on "Neurochemical Predictors and Correlates of Vulnerability to Cocaine Use" by- King and Flowers

This proposed study concerns the neurochemical and behavioral factors that influence cocaine craving. The researchers hypothesize that heightened mesolimbic dopamine (DA) activity leads to cocaine craving and is associated with both histrionic behavior and increased sensitivity to the rewarding aspects of cocaine use. Finally, they hypothesize that heightened DA activity is reflected in increased motor activity. These points may be summarized as follows: Increased mesolimbic dopamine function is associated with increased cocaine craving, histrionic behavior, increased reward, and increased motor activity. Cocaine craving is associated with increased DA and homovanillic acid (HVA) in cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), histrionic behavior, and increased motor activity. Increased DA and HVA in CSF is associated with increased motor activity.