Neurotransmitters in alcoholism: A review of neurobiological and genetic studies

Abstract

Recent advances in the study of alcoholism have thrown light on the involvement of various neurotransmitters in the phenomenon of alcohol addiction. Various neurotransmitters have been implicated in alcohol addiction due to their imbalance in the brain, which could be either due to their excess activity or inhibition. This review paper aims to consolidate and to summarize some of the recent papers which have been published in this regard. The review paper will give an overview of the neurobiology of alcohol addiction, followed by detailed reviews of some of the recent papers published in the context of the genetics of alcohol addiction. Furthermore, the author hopes that the present text will be found useful to novices and experts alike in the field of neurotransmitters in alcoholism.

Introductory Chapter: The Chemical Basis of Neural Function and Dysfunction

“…Alcohol has effects on many neurotransmitters in the brain. Its major effect is to stimulate the release of GABA, and it acts principally at the GABAA receptors, and thereby has sedative effects [31]. It also inhibits postsynaptic NMDA excitatory glutamate receptors, and this inhibition further contributes to the sedation.…”

“…In addition, alcohol alters opioid receptors and can lead to a release of β-endorphins. Additional important effects include increased serotonin and decreased nicotinic acetylcholine receptors [31].…”

Dopamine receptor D2 and ankyrin repeat domain containing one in temporomandibular disorder of adolescents

“…Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter stored in vesicles in the presynaptic neuron and when released into the synaptic cleft it connects to dopamine receptor proteins in the postsynaptic space allowing communication between one nerve cell and another . It is often involved in the perception of painful stimuli, hormone production, reward mediators, drug abuse, and alcoholism . Dopamine receptor proteins are located in the postsynaptic cell and are part of a large family of proteins that exhibit a typical structure with seven transmembrane domains classified as DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, and DRD5 …”

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Critically Ill Patients: Identification, Assessment, and Management

“…N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors become upregulated, and the concentration of the neurotransmitter glutamate increases. 7 When alcohol consumption ceases, these processes all lead to an unopposed neuronal excitation and the autonomic hyperactivity that occur during AWS. 6 …”