Inhibition of the rostromedial tegmental nucleus reverses alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior.

ABSTRACT: Acute withdrawal from alcohol is associated with a number of unpleasant symptoms that play an important role in preventing recovery and long-term abstinence. Considerable research has focused on the role that neuropeptide systems and the amygdala play in mediating affective symptoms of acute withdrawal, but promising preclinical findings have not translated successfully into the clinic. The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) has been implicated in both fear and anxiety. In addition, RMTg neurons exert inhibitory control over midbrain dopamine neurons, the activity of which are suppressed during acute withdrawal. Thus, we hypothesized that the RMTg may play a role in mediating symptoms of acute withdrawal. Using a chronic ethanol vapor exposure paradigm that renders rats physically depen

SUBMITTER: Glover EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6785010 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature