Estrogen signaling in the dorsal raphe regulates binge-like drinking in mice.

ABSTRACT: Estrogens promote binge alcohol drinking and contribute to sex differences in alcohol use disorder. However, the mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aims to test if estrogens act on 5-hydroxytryptamine neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (5-HT^DRN) to promote binge drinking. We found that female mice drank more alcohol than male mice in chronic drinking in the dark (DID) tests. This sex difference was associated with distinct alterations in mRNA expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and 5-HT-related genes in the DRN, suggesting a potential role of estrogen/ERs/5-HT signaling. In supporting this view, 5-HT^DRN neurons from naïve male mice had lower baseline firing activity but higher sensitivity to alcohol-induced excitation compared to 5-HT^DRN neuron

SUBMITTER: Torres Irizarry VC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10899193 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature