Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Expressing Dopamine D2-Subtype Receptors Drive Alcohol Effects on Mesolimbic Neurons and Microglia.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Microglia are the primary immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and are known as "resident" macrophages. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acute ethanol (EtOH) on the microglia state and monocyte infiltration into the CNS, with particular attention to the role of peripheral and central dopamine (DA) D2 receptors (D2Rs) in mediating EtOH effects on peripheral and central substrates. We hypothesize that EtOH interacts with peripheral immune mediators via D2Rs including monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) to modulate midbrain neurons, DA transmission in the mesolimbic pathway from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to nucleus accumbens (NAc), and the intoxicating effects of acute EtOH. Methods: Using the Macrophage FAS-Induced A

SUBMITTER: Nelson CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12561246 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature