Histone methylation involvement in lasting memory deficits and ethanol sensitivity after binge ethanol in adolescents

Alcohol use in teens primarily occurs in binges and is associated with cognitive impairments, reduced white matter content, and synaptic pruning in the frontal cortex. Binge drinking in adolescence increases the rewarding aspects of ethanol while decreasing its aversive properties, enabling higher consumption and risk for alcohol use disorders. Indeed, drinking at an early age increases risk for adult dependence. Ongoing brain development, particularly regarding prefrontal cortex (PFC) myelination and synaptic connectivity, may make adolescent drinkers highly vulnerable to lasting consequences of binge ethanol.

Source: Alcohol - May 1, 2017 Category: Addiction Authors: Jennifer T. Wolstenholme Source Type: research