Withdrawal From Intermittent Ethanol Exposure Increases Probability of Burst Firing in VTA Neurons In Vitro

• DOI: 10.1152/jn.00824.2007
• Publication Date: 2007-08-16T00:33:44Z
• Authors: F. Woodward Hopf; Miquel Martin; Billy T. Chen; M. Scott Bowers; Maysha M. Mohamedi; Antonello Bonci
• Keywords: Bursting

Changing the activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons from pacemaker to burst firing is hypothesized increase salience stimuli, such as an unexpected reward, and likely contributes withdrawal-associated drug-seeking behavior. Accordingly, pharmacological, behavioral, electrophysiological data suggest important role VTA in mediating alcohol-dependent behaviors. However, effects repeated ethanol exposure on neuron ion channel function are poorly understood. Here, we repeatedly exposed rats (2 g/kg ethanol, ip, twice per day for 5 days), then examined patterns vitro after 7 days withdrawal. Compared with saline-treated animals, small conductance calcium-dependent potassium (SK) was reduced ethanol-treated animals. Consistent a SK regulation firing, NMDA applied during facilitated transition bursting but not animals; consistently induced only animals when inhibited. Also, enhanced result differences NMDA-induced depolarization. Further, I(h) also which delayed recovery hyperpolarization, did account increased Finally, withdrawal acute locomotor-activating effect cocaine (15 mg/kg, ip). Thus produced several alterations physiological properties neurons, could ultimately ability produce thus might contribute addiction-related