A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book
GABAergic mechanisms in alcohol dependence
Authors: Uusi-Oukari Mikko, Korpi Esa R.
Editors: A DeBejczy, B Soderpalm
Publisher: Academic Press
Publication year: 2024
Journal: International Review of Neurobiology
Book title : Neurobiology Of Alcohol Use Disorder
Journal name in source: International review of neurobiology
Journal acronym: Int Rev Neurobiol
Volume: 175
First page : 75
Last page: 123
ISBN: 978-0-443-14164-5
eISBN: 978-0-443-14165-2
ISSN: 0074-7742
eISSN: 2162-5514
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.irn.2024.03.002
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.irn.2024.03.002
Abstract
The target of alcohol's effect on the central nervous system has been sought for more than 50 years in the brain's GABA system. The behavioral and emotional effects of alcohol in humans and rodents are very similar to those of barbiturates and benzodiazepines, and GABAA receptors have been shown to be one of the sites of alcohol action. The mechanisms of GABAergic inhibition have been a hotspot of research but have turned out to be complex and controversial. Genetics support the involvement of some GABAA receptor subunits in the development of alcohol dependence and in alcohol use disorders (AUD). Since the effect of alcohol on the GABAA system resembles that of a GABAergic positive modulator, it may be possible to develop GABAergic drug treatments that could substitute for alcohol. The adaptation mechanisms of the GABA system and the plasticity of the brain are a big challenge for drug development: the drugs that act on GABAA receptors developed so far also may cause adaptation and development of additional addiction. Human polymorphisms should be studied further to get insight about how they affect receptor function, expression or other factors to make reasonable predictions/hypotheses about what non-addictive interventions would help in alcohol dependence and AUD.
The target of alcohol's effect on the central nervous system has been sought for more than 50 years in the brain's GABA system. The behavioral and emotional effects of alcohol in humans and rodents are very similar to those of barbiturates and benzodiazepines, and GABAA receptors have been shown to be one of the sites of alcohol action. The mechanisms of GABAergic inhibition have been a hotspot of research but have turned out to be complex and controversial. Genetics support the involvement of some GABAA receptor subunits in the development of alcohol dependence and in alcohol use disorders (AUD). Since the effect of alcohol on the GABAA system resembles that of a GABAergic positive modulator, it may be possible to develop GABAergic drug treatments that could substitute for alcohol. The adaptation mechanisms of the GABA system and the plasticity of the brain are a big challenge for drug development: the drugs that act on GABAA receptors developed so far also may cause adaptation and development of additional addiction. Human polymorphisms should be studied further to get insight about how they affect receptor function, expression or other factors to make reasonable predictions/hypotheses about what non-addictive interventions would help in alcohol dependence and AUD.
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