Alcohol dependence alters IL-1 regulation of GABA transmission in the mouse prelimbic cortex

Neuroimmune signaling is considered critical in the transition to alcohol dependence, as ethanol activates the neuroimmune system and cytokines modulate alcohol-related behaviors. In particular, ethanol-induced immune responses are hypothesized to alter neuronal communication in addiction-related brain regions, including the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We have found that the neuroimmune interleukin-1 (IL-1) system decreases GABAergic input to layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the prelimbic mPFC (PrL) of naive and non-dependent mice, and these effects are reversed by ethanol dependence.

Source: Alcohol - May 1, 2017 Category: Addiction Authors: F.P. Varodayan, M.Q. Steinman, S.E. Montgomery, A.J. Roberts, M. Bajo, M. Roberto Source Type: research