Long-term effects of intermittent alcohol exposure during adolescence on neurobiological substrates of emotion: A role for the endogenous cannabinoid system and neuroinflammation

Intermittent alcohol exposure is a common pattern of adolescent alcohol use that can lead to binge drinking episodes. Alcohol use is known to modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in neuronal signaling, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and emotional behavior. Adolescent male Wistar rats were exposed to 4-week intermittent alcohol intoxication (4 g/kg injections for 4 days/week). Emotionality and cognition were assessed after alcohol deprivation. Subsequently, gene expression of the endocannabinoid signaling and other related mediators was examined in the brain.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research