Abstract
The present study has employed in vitro autoradiography to study the distribution and density of [ 3H]zolpidem binding sites, which are regarded as an index of ethanol-sensitive γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptors, in the brains of alcohol-preferring Fawn–Hooded (FH) rats compared to non-alcohol preferring Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats. Binding of [ 3H]zolpidem showed a similar distribution profile in both rat strains examined and included cerebellum, globus pallidus, nucleus of the solitary tract and a number of midbrain/hindbrain nuclei. Densitometric quantitation of binding revealed that FH rats possessed a significantly higher density of [ 3H]zolpidem binding compared to WKY rats in cortical regions, substantia nigra pars reticulata and the ventral pallidum. These data indicate that FH rats may have an increased number of ethanol-sensitive GABA A receptors in regions intimately involved in reward processes, and may partially explain the alcohol-seeking nature of the FH rat.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
