Abstract
One of the hallmarks of alcoholism is continued excessive consumption of alcohol-containing beverages despite the negative consequences of such behavior. The neurocircuitry regulating alcohol consumption is not well understood. Recent studies have shown that the neuropeptide urocortin 1 (Ucn1), a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of peptides, could be an important player in the regulation of alcohol consumption. This evidence is accumulated along three directions of research: (1) Ucn 1-containing neurons are extremely sensitive to alcohol; (2) the Ucn1 neurocircuit may contribute to the genetic predisposition to high alcohol intake in mice and rats; (3) manipulation of the Ucn1 system alters alcohol consumption and sensitivity. This paper reviews the current knowledge of the Ucn1 neurocircuit and the evidence for its involvement in alcohol-related behaviors, and proposes a mechanism for its involvement in the regulation of alcohol consumption.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 368-380 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Brain Research Reviews |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2006 |
Keywords
- Addiction
- CRH
- Edinger-Westphal nucleus
- Ethanol
- Lateral septum
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology