Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2018. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Psychiatr. Jun 28, 2018; 8(2): 64-74
Published online Jun 28, 2018. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v8.i2.64
Melatonin in drug addiction and addiction management: Exploring an evolving multidimensional relationship
Olakunle J Onaolapo, Adejoke Y Onaolapo
Olakunle J Onaolapo, Behavioural Neuroscience/Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo 230263, Osun State, Nigeria
Adejoke Y Onaolapo, Behavioural Neuroscience/Neurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho 210211, Oyo State, Nigeria
Author contributions: Onaolapo AY and Onaolapo OJ contributed to writing sections of the review article, were also both responsible for the critical revision, editing, and the final approval of the final version
Conflict-of-interest statement: None.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Correspondence to: Dr. Adejoke Y Onaolapo, MBBS, PhD, Behavioural Neuroscience/Neurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B 4000, Ogbomosho 210211, Oyo State, Nigeria. ayonaolapo@lautech.edu.ng
Telephone: +234-80-62240434
Received: April 2, 2018
Peer-review started: April 3, 2018
First decision: May 2, 2018
Revised: May 6, 2018
Accepted: May 9, 2018
Article in press: May 10, 2018
Published online: June 28, 2018
Abstract

Melatonin is a pleiotropic signalling molecule that regulates several physiological functions, and synchronises biological rhythms. Recent evidences are beginning to reveal that a dysregulation of endogenous melatonin rhythm or action may play a larger role in the aetiology and behavioural expression of drug addiction, than was previously considered. Also, the findings from a number of animal studies suggest that exogenous melatonin supplementation and therapeutic manipulation of melatonin/melatonin receptor interactions may be beneficial in the management of behavioural manifestations of drug addiction. However, repeated exogenous melatonin administration may cause a disruption of its endogenous rhythm and be associated with potential drawbacks that might limit its usefulness. In this review, we examine the roles of melatonin and its receptors in addictive behaviours; discussing how our understanding of melatonin’s modulatory effects on the brain rewards system and crucial neurotransmitters such as dopamine has evolved over the years. Possible indications(s) for melatonergic agents in addiction management, and how manipulations of the endogenous melatonin system may be of benefit are also discussed. Finally, the potential impediments to application of melatonin in the management of addictive behaviours are considered.

Keywords: Dopamine, Drug dependence, Biological rhythms, Neuroplasticity, Brain reward

Core tip: Melatonin is a pleiotropic signalling molecule that regulates several physiological functions, and synchronises biological rhythms. Recent evidences are beginning to reveal that a dysregulation of endogenous melatonin rhythm or action may play a larger role in the aetiology and behavioural expression of drug addiction, than was previously considered. This review, using information garnered from extant literature, examines the roles played by melatonin and its receptors in addictive behaviours, addiction related changes in brain chemistry and brain plasticity; and its possible benefits in the management of drug associated withdrawal syndrome, relapse and behavioural sensitisation.