Sex differences in neuroadaptation to alcohol and withdrawal neurotoxicity.
Pflugers Arch
; 465(5): 643-54, 2013 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23559099
ABSTRACT
Recent work suggests that sex differences exist with regard to both the nature of neuroadaptation to alcohol during the development of dependence, and possibly, the neurodegenerative consequences of alcohol dependence. Volumetric studies in human samples show that females may demonstrate increased volumetric brain loss with equal or lesser dependence histories than males. Furthermore, animal studies demonstrate sex differences in glutamatergic, GABAergic, and adenosinergic receptor signaling and endocrine responses following prolonged alcohol exposure. These differences may influence the development of dependence, neuronal function, and viability, particularly during alcohol withdrawal. The present review discusses the current state of knowledge in this regard. It is concluded that there exists a clear need for a more extensive examination of potential sex differences in neurodegenerative consequences of alcohol dependence in men and women, particularly with regard to the role that alterations in amino acid signaling and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function may play. Furthermore, we note the need for expanded examination of the unique role that alcohol withdrawal-associated neuronal activity may have in the development of dependence-associated neurotoxicity.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Adaptação Fisiológica
/
Caracteres Sexuais
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Transtornos do Sistema Nervoso Induzidos por Álcool
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Alcoolismo
Limite:
Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Pflugers Arch
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article