Mouse parasubthalamic <i>Crh</i> neurons drive alcohol drinking escalation and behavioral disinhibition.

ABSTRACT: Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF, encoded by Crh) signaling is thought to play a critical role in the development of excessive alcohol drinking and the emotional and physical pain associated with alcohol withdrawal. Here, we investigated the parasubthalamic nucleus (PSTN) as a potential source of CRF relevant to the control of alcohol consumption, affect, and nociception in mice. We identified PSTN Crh neurons as a neuronal subpopulation that exerts a potent and unique influence on behavior by promoting not only alcohol but also saccharin drinking, while PSTN neurons are otherwise known to suppress consummatory behaviors. Furthermore, PSTN Crh neurons are causally implicated in the escalation of alcohol and saccharin intake produced by chronic intermittent ethanol (

SUBMITTER: Kreifeldt M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11257461 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature