Differential tonic inhibition and ethanol effects in the central and lateral amygdala corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) circuitry

Despite the prevalence of alcohol dependence, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. My research focuses on changes in inhibitory control of corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) neurons in the central (CeA) and lateral amygdala (LA). Amygdalar CRF1 has been implicated in neuroplastic changes related to fear, anxiety, and alcohol. Using a transgenic mouse model expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in neurons containing CRF1, we examined inhibitory transmission and ethanol sensitivity in CRF1-containing (CRF1+) and unlabeled (CRF1-) CeA and LA neurons.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research