Increased Alcohol Consumption in Mice Lacking Sodium Bicarbonate Transporter NBCn1.

ABSTRACT: The previous reports on an addiction vulnerability marker in the human SLC4A7 gene encoding the Na/HCO₃ transporter NBCn1 suggest that this pH-regulating protein may affect alcohol-related behavior and response. Here, we examined alcohol consumption and sensitivity to the sedative effects of alcohol in male NBCn1 knockout mice. These mice displayed lower pH in neurons than wildtype controls, determined by intracellular pH in hippocampal neuronal cultures. Neurons from knockout mice had a higher action potential threshold and a more depolarized membrane potential, thus reducing membrane excitability. In a two-bottle free choice procedure, knockout mice consumed more alcohol than controls and consistently increased alcohol consumption after repeated alcohol deprivation periods. Qu

SUBMITTER: Schank JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7335059 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature