Alcohol is one of the most widely used pharmacological agents and its actions have an important impact on many aspects of brain function. The pharmacological effects of ethanol involve many different targets, but GABAA receptors are important mediators of its acute and chronic actions. GABAA receptors are involved in ethanol sensitivity, drinking and reinforcement, and the mechanisms of these effects are becoming more evident. Chronic ethanol exposure produces adaptations in GABAA receptors that contribute to hyperexcitability and the mechanisms of these adaptations continue to emerge. The purpose of this Research Topic is to assemble recent advances on these topics in order to highlight the value of ethanol as a probe and modulator of GABAergic transmission as well as providing a better understanding of alcohol actions and adaptations.
Original research articles are preferred but mini-reviews will be considered by the host editor, A Leslie Morrow
Alcohol is one of the most widely used pharmacological agents and its actions have an important impact on many aspects of brain function. The pharmacological effects of ethanol involve many different targets, but GABAA receptors are important mediators of its acute and chronic actions. GABAA receptors are involved in ethanol sensitivity, drinking and reinforcement, and the mechanisms of these effects are becoming more evident. Chronic ethanol exposure produces adaptations in GABAA receptors that contribute to hyperexcitability and the mechanisms of these adaptations continue to emerge. The purpose of this Research Topic is to assemble recent advances on these topics in order to highlight the value of ethanol as a probe and modulator of GABAergic transmission as well as providing a better understanding of alcohol actions and adaptations.
Original research articles are preferred but mini-reviews will be considered by the host editor, A Leslie Morrow
