Abstract
The function of the gamma-aminobutyric acid(B) (GABAB) receptor, measured as baclofen-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding, was evaluated in some brain regions of Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) and -nonpreferring (sNP) rats. EC50 value of baclofen-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS in limbic areas was approximately 125% higher in alcohol-naive sP than sNP rats; voluntarily consumed alcohol reduced the EC50 value to a level similar to that of alcohol-naive sNP rats. These results suggest the presence of a genetically determined lower function of the GABAB receptor in limbic areas of sP than sNP rats; this differential functioning of the GABAB receptor may contribute to the opposite preference for alcohol in these rat lines.
MeSH terms
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Alcohol Drinking / genetics
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Alcohol Drinking / metabolism*
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Animals
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Baclofen / administration & dosage
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Baclofen / pharmacology
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Central Nervous System Depressants / administration & dosage
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Central Nervous System Depressants / pharmacology
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Cerebellar Cortex / drug effects
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Cerebellar Cortex / metabolism
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Ethanol / administration & dosage
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Ethanol / pharmacology
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GABA Agonists / administration & dosage
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GABA Agonists / pharmacology
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GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Hippocampus / drug effects
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Hippocampus / metabolism
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Limbic System / drug effects
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Limbic System / metabolism*
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Male
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Radioligand Assay
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Rats
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Receptors, GABA-B / drug effects
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Receptors, GABA-B / genetics
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Receptors, GABA-B / metabolism*
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Signal Transduction / drug effects
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Signal Transduction / genetics
Substances
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Central Nervous System Depressants
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GABA Agonists
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Receptors, GABA-B
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Ethanol
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GTP-Binding Proteins
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Baclofen