Maternal separation plus social isolation during adolescence reprogram brain dopamine and endocannabinoid systems and facilitate alcohol intake in rats.

In this study, our endeavor was to determine if social isolation during adolescence (aSI) was as efficient as MS to facilitate alcohol intake; and moreover, if their combination (MS + aSI) induces even higher alcohol intake and exacerbates anxiety-like behaviors. Also, we evaluated dopamine and endocannabinoid receptors in the NAcc to describe potential changes caused by MS, aSI or both. Wistar rats were reared under 4 different conditions: non-MS + social housing (SH), MS + SH, non-MS + aSI and MS + aSI. Once these rats became adults they were submitted to a voluntary alcohol intake protocol for 10 days. Similar groups of rats with no exposure to alcohol whatsoever, were sacrificed to dissect out the NAcc to analyze the expression of cannabinoid (CB1R and CB2R) and dopamine (D2R and D3R) receptors. Results showed that MS, aSI and MS + aSI increase both CB1R, D2R and D3R expression in the NAcc and also increase alcohol intake and anxiety. These results suggest that early life adverse experiences induce a reprogramming of the brain's dopamine and endocannabinoid systems which increases subject's vulnerability to develop anxiety, alcohol abuse and dependence. PMID: 32784005 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Brain Research Bulletin - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Brain Res Bull Source Type: research