Ethanol specifically potentiates GABA-mediated neurotransmission in feline cerebral cortex.
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) potentiates the inhibition of cortical neurons by gamma-aminobutyric acid. This effect is specific, since ethanol does not potentiate inhibiton by glycine, serotonin, or dopamine. These results have implications for alcoholism because (i) gamma-aminobutyric acid mediates anxiolytic mechanisms, and (ii) anxiety is implicated in the etiology of alcoholism.
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012701:Serotonin; D000431:Ethanol; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid