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Bidirectional Control of Alcohol-drinking Behaviors Through Locus Coeruleus Optoactivation
Alex L Deal1, Caroline E Bass2, Valentina P Grinevich1
1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
Neuroscience
|July 25, 2020
Summary
Tonic activity in the locus coeruleus (LC) norepinephrine (NE) system causally increases alcohol intake, while phasic LC-NE activity reduces alcohol seeking. This study reveals distinct roles for NE release patterns in alcohol consumption behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The link between stress and alcohol consumption is well-documented.
- Neuronal mechanisms underlying stress-induced alcohol drinking remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal role of locus coeruleus (LC) norepinephrine (NE) activity dynamics in alcohol drinking behaviors.
- To differentiate the effects of tonic versus phasic NE release on alcohol intake and seeking.
Main Methods:
- Optogenetic manipulation of LC-NE activity in rodents.
- Application of distinct tonic and phasic stimulation protocols.
- Assessment of alcohol intake and alcohol-seeking behavior during operant sessions and extinction trials.
Main Results:
- Tonic LC-NE stimulation increased alcohol intake during operant sessions.
- Phasic LC-NE stimulation decreased alcohol intake during operant sessions.
- Phasic LC-NE stimulation significantly suppressed alcohol seeking during extinction, while tonic stimulation had no effect.
Conclusions:
- LC-NE activity plays a causal role in alcohol drinking behaviors.
- Tonic NE release from the LC is implicated in stress-related increases in alcohol consumption.
- Phasic NE release from the LC may serve to inhibit alcohol-seeking behavior.
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