BACKGROUND: The precise nature of modifications to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) system in response to chronic ethanol exposure is poorly understood. The present work used PET imaging to assay alpha4beta2* nAChR binding levels of eight rhesus monkeys before and during controlled chronic ethanol intake. METHODS: [(18)F]Nifene PET scans were conducted prior to alcohol exposure, and then again after at least 8 months controlled ethanol exposure, including 6 months at 1.5g/kg/day following a dose escalation period. Receptor binding levels were quantified with binding potentials (BPND) using the cerebellum as a reference region. Alcohol self-administration was assessed as average daily alcohol intake during a 2 month free drinking period immediately following controlled alcohol. RESULTS: Significant decreases in alpha4beta2* nAChR binding were observed in both frontal and insular cortex in response to chronic ethanol exposure. During chronic alcohol exposure, BPND in the lateral geniculate region correlated positively with the amount of alcohol consumed during free drinking. CONCLUSIONS: The observed decreases in nAChR availability following chronic alcohol consumption suggest alterations to this receptor system in response to repeated alcohol administration, making this an important target for further study in alcohol abuse and alcohol and nicotine codependence.
        
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Hillmer AT, Tudorascu DL, Wooten DW, Lao PJ, Barnhart TE, Ahlers EO, Resch LM, Larson JA, Converse AK, Moore CF, Schneider ML, Christian BT (2014) Changes in the alpha4beta2* nicotinic acetylcholine system during chronic controlled alcohol exposure in nonhuman primates Drug Alcohol Depend138: 216-9
Hillmer AT, Tudorascu DL, Wooten DW, Lao PJ, Barnhart TE, Ahlers EO, Resch LM, Larson JA, Converse AK, Moore CF, Schneider ML, Christian BT (2014) Drug Alcohol Depend138: 216-9