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Alcohol Intoxication by Binge Drinking Impairs Neuroplasticity.
Genane Loheswaran1, Mera S Barr2, Tarek K Rajji3
1Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S1, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, 1001 Queen Street West, Unit 4-1, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H4, Canada.
Brain Stimulation
|October 5, 2015
Summary
A single episode of binge drinking temporarily impairs long-term potentiation (LTP)-like neuroplasticity in healthy adults. While these effects resolve by the next day, repeated binge drinking may lead to lasting changes contributing to alcohol use disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Binge drinking is a precursor to alcohol use disorders (AUDs).
- Alcohol intoxication may affect neuroplasticity, potentially contributing to AUD pathophysiology.
- Human studies on binge drinking's impact on neuroplasticity are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immediate effects of a single binge drinking episode on LTP-like neuroplasticity in humans.
- To assess the duration of these neuroplastic changes following alcohol consumption.
Main Methods:
- A within-subject, randomized, cross-over design was employed.
- Fifteen healthy binge drinkers received either an alcohol beverage or a placebo.
- Paired associative stimulation (PAS) induced LTP-like neuroplasticity, measured at various time points post-administration.
Main Results:
- Binge drinking significantly inhibited LTP-like neuroplasticity compared to placebo at 30 and 60 minutes post-PAS.
- No significant differences in neuroplasticity were observed the day after the binge session.
Conclusions:
- A single binge drinking episode acutely impairs neuroplasticity.
- These impairments are transient, resolving within 24 hours.
- Repetitive binge drinking could lead to persistent neuroplastic alterations, potentially driving AUD development.
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