Withdrawal from chronic intermittent ethanol engages a circuit in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis that promotes anxiety and fear-related behavior

Alcohol dependence is a progressive brain disorder characterized by an increased sensitivity to the reinforcing properties of alcohol, compulsive and habitual use, and chronic relapse to alcohol drinking. Earlier studies from our lab have shown that acute withdrawal from chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor enhances anxiety-like behavior and serotonin2C (5-HT2CR) signaling in the BNST. In a more recent study, we found that 5-HT2CR signaling elicits anxiety and fear-related behavior by activating an inhibitory microcircuit in the BNST.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research