Effect of nucleus accumbens shell infusions of ganaxolone or gaboxadol on ethanol consumption in mice

摘要

RationaleAllopregnanolone (ALLO) is an endogenous neuroactive steroid thought to alter the reinforcement value of alcohol (ethanol) due to its actions as a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR). Extrasynaptic GABAARs may be a particularly sensitive target of ethanol and neuroactive steroids. Previous work showed that systemic injections of an ALLO analog, ganaxolone (GAN), or an extrasynaptic GABAAR agonist (gaboxadol; THIP), decreased ethanol intake in male mice with limited access to ethanol.