Chemogenetic and optogenetic control of excessive alcohol drinking through inactivation of a neuronal ensemble in the central nucleus of the amygdala

A neuronal ensemble in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) that is recruited in anticipation of alcohol binge drinking has been recently identified but causal evidence that this “binge-drinking” neuronal ensemble is responsible for alcohol binge drinking is lacking. Moreover, unknown is whether a “dependence” neuronal ensemble can also be identified in the CeA in dependent rats and whether this hypothetical dependence neuronal ensemble is responsible for compulsive- like alcohol drinking in dependent rats.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research