Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Transgenic over expression of nicotinic receptor alpha 5, alpha 3, and beta 4 subunit genes reduces ethanol intake in mice



Abuse of alcohol and smoking are extensively co-morbid. Some studies suggest partial commonality of action of alcohol and nicotine mediated through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs).

We tested mice with transgenic over expression of the alpha 5, alpha 3, beta 4 receptor subunit genes, which cluster on human chromosome 15, that were previously shown to have increased nicotine self-administration, for several responses to ethanol.

Transgenic and wild-type mice did not diffe
r in sensitivity to several acute behavioral responses to ethanol. However, transgenic mice drank less ethanol than wild-type in a two-bottle (ethanol vs. water) preference test.

These results suggest a complex role for this receptor subunit gene cluster in the modulation of ethanol's as well as nicotine's effects.



Read Full Abstract


Request Reprint E-Mail: mara.dierssen@crg.es