Effects of Acute and Chronic Ethanol on GABA Inhibition of VTA GABA Neurons

Authors

Brett Larsen, Brigham Young University
Dr. Scott Steffensen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

chronic ethanol, GABA inhibition, VTA GABA neurons, alcohol addiction

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

Alcohol addiction is becoming increasingly prevalent in our world today, but the mechanisms underlying alcohol addiction are unknown. We do know; however, that the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) of the brain are specifically involved in addiction. These GABA neurons have a constant inhibition from other cells in the brain, and it is this inhibition that I am specifically studying. The term used to represent the inhibition from other cells is spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). By looking at the sIPSCs on a VTA GABA neuron in response to alcohol administration, I was able discover more about how alcohol acts in the brain.

Recommended Citation

Larsen, Brett and Steffensen, Dr. Scott (2013) "Effects of Acute and Chronic Ethanol on GABA Inhibition of VTA GABA Neurons," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 549.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/549