Work

Deletion of N-Type Calcium Channels Alters Ethanol Reward and Reduces Ethanol Consumption in Mice

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: N-type calcium channels are modulated by acute and chronic ethanol exposure in vitro at concentrations known to affect humans, but it is not known whether N-type channels are important for behavioral responses to ethanol in vivo. Here, we show that in mice lacking functional N-type calcium channels, voluntary ethanol consumption is reduced and place preference is developed only at a low dose of ethanol. The hypnotic effects of ethanol are also substantially diminished, whereas ethanol-induced ataxia is mildly increased. These results demonstrate that N-type calcium channels modulate acute responses to ethanol and are important mediators of ethanol reward and preference.

Source: Journal of Neuroscience

DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3446-04.2004

Authors: Philip M. Newton, Christine J. Orr, Melisa J. Wallace, Chanki Kim, Hee-Sup Shin, Robert O. Messing

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, Korean Association Of Science and Technology Studies, Korea Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Korea Institute of Science and Technology, National Institutes of Health, University of California, San Francisco, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism