Nf1 regulates alcohol dependence-associated excessive drinking and gamma-aminobutyric acid release in the central amygdala in mice and is associated with alcohol dependence in humans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1) gene encodes a GTPase activating protein that negatively regulates small GTPases of the Ras family.

Methods

We assessed alcohol-related behaviors including alcohol sensitivity, dependent and nondependent drinking, and basal and alcohol-induced gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in Nf1 heterozygous null mice (Nf1(+/-)). We also investigated the associations of NF1 polymorphisms with alcohol dependence risk and severity in humans.

Results

Nf1(+/-) mice do not differ from wild-type mice in nondependent drinking, such as 24-hour, 2-bottle choice drinking in the dark binge drinking or limited access 2-bottle choice. However, Nf1(+/-) mice failed to escalate alcohol drinking follo

SUBMITTER: Repunte-Canonigo V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4428692 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature