Alcohol and the Brain: Neuronal Molecular Targets, Synapses, and Circuits.

ABSTRACT: Ethanol is one of the most commonly abused drugs. Although environmental and genetic factors contribute to the etiology of alcohol use disorders, it is ethanol's actions in the brain that explain (1) acute ethanol-related behavioral changes, such as stimulant followed by depressant effects, and (2) chronic changes in behavior, including escalated use, tolerance, compulsive seeking, and dependence. Our knowledge of ethanol use and abuse thus relies on understanding its effects on the brain. Scientists have employed both bottom-up and top-down approaches, building from molecular targets to behavioral analyses and vice versa, respectively. This review highlights current progress in the field, focusing on recent and emerging molecular, cellular, and circuit effects of the drug that impact etha

SUBMITTER: Abrahao KP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6566861 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature