In vivo ethanol experience increases D(2) autoinhibition in the ventral tegmental area.

ABSTRACT: Alcoholism is characterized by compulsive alcohol intake after a history of chronic consumption. A reduction in mesolimbic dopaminergic transmission observed during abstinence may contribute to the negative affective state that drives compulsive intake. Although previous in vivo recording studies in rodents have demonstrated profound decreases in the firing activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons after withdrawal from long-term ethanol exposure, the cellular mechanisms underlying this reduced activity are not well understood. Somatodendritic dopamine release within the VTA exerts powerful feedback inhibition of dopamine neuron activity via stimulation of D(2) autoreceptors and subsequent activation of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K(+) (GIRK) channels. Here, by perf

SUBMITTER: Perra S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3077268 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature