BYU ScholarsArchive

Title

Neuroimmune-mediated alteration of acute alcohol exposure in the mesolimbic dopamine system

Authors

William T. Harris, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow
P. E. Williams, Brigham Young University - Provo
Scott C. Steffensen, Brigham Young UniversityFollow

Files

Keywords

Dopamine, Clodronate, Neuroimmunology, Microglia, Macrophage

Abstract

2nd place open house

Dopamine (DA) transmission is a key player in the rewarding aspects of ethanol (EtOH) as well as EtOH dependence.

The current dogma is that DA transmission is increased during acute EtOH exposure via the inhibition of ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neurons and that the excitation of VTA GABA neurons during withdrawal results in decreased DA transmission.

Much recent evidence indicates that neuroimmune interactions may mediate this process. •

Microglia, the major neuroimmune effector in the brain, may be a key mediator in this process by releasing cytokines following activation.

Macrophages, a major immune effector in the blood, may also be a key mediator in this process, potentially crossing the BBB to mediate neuroimmune processes in response to acute doses of EtOH.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Harris, William T.; Williams, P. E.; and Steffensen, Scott C., "Neuroimmune-mediated alteration of acute alcohol exposure in the mesolimbic dopamine system" (2023). Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2023. 26.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/library_studentposters_2023/26

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2023

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Neuroscience

University Standing at Time of Publication

Junior

Copyright Use Information

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/