Rapid antidepressant synapse formation requires GABAB receptor-activation of mTORC1

Similar to rapid antidepressants, ethanol blocks N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDAR) and activates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Additionally, moderate alcohol consumption has been demonstrated to affect synaptic connections. Our lab has previously demonstrated that the administration of NMDAR antagonists causes a functional shift in metabotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors (GABABRs). This shift decreases the coupling of GABABRs to potassium channels and instead promotes coupling to calcium channels.

Source: Alcohol - May 1, 2017 Category: Addiction Authors: Chelcie F. Heaney, Emily R. Workman, Emma K. Ericsson, Kimberly F. Raab-Graham Source Type: research