Titrating Tipsy Targets: The Neurobiology of Low-Dose Alcohol. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cui, Changhai; Koob, George F.
• Is Part Of: Trends in pharmacological sciences. Volume 38:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 556
• Page End: 568
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: alcohol -- ethanol -- low-dose -- molecular targets -- intoxication -- neurobiology; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- trends -- Periodicals; Pharmacologie -- Périodiques; Pharmacology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2017.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-6147

Abstract

Abstract : Limited attention has been given to our understanding of how the brain responds to low-dose alcohol (ethanol) and what molecular and cellular targets mediate these effects. Even at concentrations lower than 10 mM (0.046 g% blood alcohol concentration, BAC), below the legal driving limit in the USA (BAC 0.08 g%), alcohol impacts brain function and behavior. Understanding what molecular and cellular targets mediate the initial effects of alcohol and subsequent neuroplasticity could provide a better understanding of vulnerability or resilience to developing alcohol use disorders. We review here what is known about the neurobiology of low-dose alcohol, provide insights into potential molecular targets, and discuss future directions and challenges in further defining targets of low-dose alcohol at the molecular, cellular, and circuitry levels. Trends: Low doses of alcohol at concentrations that can be achieved by social drinking (1–3 drinks) impact brain function and behavior. Low-dose alcohol impacts neuronal activity and synaptic function; however, there is a lack of understanding precisely what molecular targets mediate such effects and what brain neurocircuits respond to low-dose alcohol. Alcohol allosterically modulates a variety of receptors, channels, and signaling molecules with a wide range of sensitivities. Understanding what molecular and cellular targets mediate the initial effects of alcohol will provide a window into the early stages of neuroplasticity that contribute to vulnerability and resilience to developing alcohol use disorders.