The effects of chronic ethanol self-administration on the serotonin system in monkeys

Serotonin plays an important role in mediating the effects of alcohol, but current serotonergic pharmacotherapies for alcoholism have had only modest success. Serotonin's effects on drinking are mediated at least in part by modulating neuroplasticity in the hippocampal formation. The hippocampal formation plays a key role in excessive alcohol consumption through its involvement in the neurocircuitry responsible for the reinforcing effects of alcohol and its role in acquiring alcohol-related memories. The hippocampus is heavily innervated by serotonin-containing fibers and modulates reward and memory-related neuroadaptive processes via the serotonin transporter (SERT) and 5-HT1A receptor. Illuminating the mechanisms underlying the effects of chronic ethanol on the SERT and the 5-HT1A receptor in the hippocampus may help to identify additional targets for the treatment of alcoholism.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Burnett, Elizabeth J.

• 5-HT1A

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/37307

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/37307