Decreased sensitivity of NMDA receptors on dopaminergic neurons from the posterior ventral tegmental area following chronic nondependent alcohol consumption.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The mesocorticolimbic dopamine system mediates the reinforcing effects of salient stimuli, including drugs of abuse. Nondependent chronic alcohol consumption modifies this system, resulting in an increased number of spontaneously active dopamine neurons in the posterior ventral tegmental area (VTA) of alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Enhanced responses of postsynaptic glutamate receptors may contribute to the increase in active dopamine neurons. Thus, excitations of putative dopamine neurons to locally applied N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA; glutamate receptor subtype agonist) were evaluated.

Methods

P rats were assigned to alcohol naïve (water only) or alcohol drinking (continuous access to 15% alcohol and water for 8 consecutive weeks) groups. Responses of 23 putati

SUBMITTER: Fitzgerald GJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3382036 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature