The serotonin 2A receptor agonist TCB-2 attenuates heavy alcohol drinking and alcohol-induced midbrain inhibitory plasticity.

ABSTRACT: Disruption of neuronal chloride ion (Cl^- ) homeostasis has been linked to several pathological conditions, including substance use disorder, yet targeted pharmacotherapies are lacking. In this study, we explored the potential of serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT_2A R) agonism to reduce alcohol consumption in male wild-type C57Bl/6J mice and to ameliorate alcohol-induced inhibitory plasticity in the midbrain. We found that administration of the putative 5-HT_2A R agonist TCB-2 attenuated alcohol consumption and preference but did not alter water or saccharin consumption. We hypothesized that the selective behavioural effects of TCB-2 on alcohol drinking were due, at least in part, to effects of the agonist on ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurocircuitry. Alcohol cons

SUBMITTER: Kimmey BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8896307 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature