The Effect of Chronic Ethanol on VTA GABA Neurons

Authors

Stephanie Bair, Brigham Young University
Scott Steffensen, Brigham Young University

Keywords

chronic ethanol, VTA GABA neurons, addiction in the brain

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The current accepted model for addiction in the brain is the dysregulation of dopamine (DA) in the mesolimbic pathway, which begins in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projects to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). DA neurons originate in the VTA and project to the NAc where they release DA. Dopamine neurons are typically regulated locally by inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons in the VTA. Because GABA neurons in the VTA regulate DA neurons, we conclude that changes in VTA GABA neurons will affect DA release in the NAc underlying addictive behaviors, especially reward seeking.

Recommended Citation

Bair, Stephanie and Steffensen, Scott (2017) "The Effect of Chronic Ethanol on VTA GABA Neurons," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2017: Iss. 1, Article 87.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2017/iss1/87