Ethanol augments GABAergic transmission in the central amygdala via CRF1 receptors.

Published

Journal Article

The central amygdala (CeA) plays a role in the relationship among stress, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and alcohol abuse. In whole-cell recordings, both CRF and ethanol enhanced gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated (GABAergic) neurotransmission in CeA neurons from wild-type and CRF2 receptor knockout mice, but not CRF1 receptor knockout mice. CRF1 (but not CRF2) receptor antagonists blocked both CRF and ethanol effects in wild-type mice. These data indicate that CRF1 receptors mediate ethanol enhancement of GABAergic synaptic transmission in the CeA, and they suggest a cellular mechanism underlying involvement of CRF in ethanol's behavioral and motivational effects.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Nie, Z; Schweitzer, P; Roberts, AJ; Madamba, SG; Moore, SD; Siggins, GR

Published Date

  • March 2004

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 303 / 5663

Start / End Page

  • 1512 - 1514

PubMed ID

  • 15001778

Pubmed Central ID

  • 15001778

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1095-9203

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0036-8075

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1126/science.1092550

Language

  • eng