stress-related behaviors in rodents [15]. Increased AVP gene expression in the amygdala is associated with early withdrawal from chronic exposure to opiates, and the selective AVP V1b (but not V1a) receptor antagonist attenuates heroin-seeking behavior induced by foot shock stress [16]. These findings suggest that the amygdalar stress-responsive AVP/V1b receptor system may be a critical component of the neural circuitry underlying opiate withdrawal, and the effect of stress on drug-seeking behavior.
