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Adolescent alcohol drinking and its long-range consequences. Studies with animal models
William J McBride1, Richard L Bell, Zachary A Rodd
1Indiana University School of Medicine, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-4887, USA.
Recent Developments in Alcoholism : an Official Publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism
|March 26, 2005
Summary
Adolescent rats readily drink alcohol, linked to brain receptor differences. Early drinking has lasting effects, but taste aversion training can prevent high alcohol consumption.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Adolescent alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of early-onset drinking is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Animal models provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of alcohol use and its consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review findings on adolescent alcohol drinking using alcohol-preferring (P) rats.
- To explore neurobiological factors, preventive interventions, and long-term consequences of adolescent alcohol use.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of adolescent alcohol drinking and its lasting effects.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) and non-preferring (NP) rat lines.
- Examining neurobiological correlates including serotonin-1A (5-HT1A) and dopamine (DA) D2 receptor densities.
- Assessing regional brain activity and ethanol's effects.
- Implementing conditioned taste aversion (CTA) training.
Main Results:
- P rats initiate alcohol drinking early (post-weaning, adolescent, peri-adolescent periods).
- Early alcohol onset in P rats is associated with altered 5-HT1A and DA D2 receptor densities and heightened limbic/cortical activity.
- CTA training during adolescence effectively prevents high alcohol intake in adulthood.
- Peri-adolescent alcohol drinking by P rats leads to increased adult ethanol self-administration, craving, and relapse potential.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent alcohol drinking is influenced by specific neurobiological factors, including receptor densities and brain activity.
- Early intervention strategies like CTA training can mitigate long-term alcohol-related behaviors.
- Adolescent alcohol exposure has profound and lasting neurobiological consequences, increasing vulnerability to addiction.