Septo-hypothalamic regulation of binge-like alcohol consumption by the nociceptin system.

ABSTRACT: High-intensity alcohol drinking during binge episodes contributes to the socioeconomic burden created by alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and nociceptin receptor (NOP) antagonists have emerged as a promising intervention. To better understand the contribution of the NOP system to binge drinking, we found that nociceptin-containing neurons of the lateral septum (LS^Pnoc) displayed increased excitability during withdrawal from binge-like alcohol drinking. LS^Pnoc activation promoted active avoidance and potentiated binge-like drinking behavior, whereas silencing of this population reduced alcohol drinking. LS^Pnoc form robust monosynaptic inputs locally within the LS and genetic deletion of NOP or microinjection of a NOP antagonist into the LS decreased alcohol int

SUBMITTER: Haun H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12181985 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature