Extrasynaptic delta-containing GABAA receptors in the nucleus accumbens dorsomedial shell contribute to alcohol intake.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 108(11): 4459-64, 2011 Mar 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21368141
ABSTRACT
Recent findings suggest that extrasynaptic δ-subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors are sensitive to low-to-moderate concentrations of alcohol, raising the possibility that these receptors mediate the reinforcing effects of alcohol after consumption of one or a few drinks. We used the technique of viral-mediated RNAi to reduce expression of the GABA(A) receptor δ-subunit in adult rats in localized regions of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) to test the hypothesis that δ-subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors in the NAc are necessary for oral alcohol consumption. We found that knockdown of the δ-subunit in the medial shell region of the NAc, but not in the ventral or lateral shell or in the core, reduced alcohol intake. In contrast, δ-subunit knockdown in the medial shell did not affect intake of a 2% sucrose solution, suggesting that the effects of GABA(A) receptor δ-subunit reduction are specific to alcohol. These results provide strong evidence that extrasynaptic δ-subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors in the medial shell of the NAc are critical for the reinforcing effects of oral ethanol.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Sinapsis
/
Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas
/
Receptores de GABA-A
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Núcleo Talámico Mediodorsal
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Núcleo Accumbens
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Año:
2011
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos