Cocaine and serotonin neurochemistry.

The neurochemical interactions between cocaine and the serotonin (5-HT) neuronal system are the subject of this Commentary. Attempts to understand the mechanisms through which the euphoric and rewarding properties of cocaine are mediated have focused on the brain dopamine system, with particular emphasis on the dopamine uptake site. However, increasing amounts of research have led to the realization that cocaine also exerts a powerful influence over the serotonin neuronal system. These data are briefly discussed from the standpoint of how cocaine alters the functional or synaptic activity of serotonin. Recent evidence also indicates that the reinforcing properties of cocaine can be reduced by treatments which interact directly or indirectly with the serotonin neuronal system.