Inhibiting neurons involved in the body’s stress response may reduce alcohol use

Neuroscientists Discover Inhibiting Neurons Involved in Stress Response Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Individuals with PTSD and AUD

Neuroscientists at Scripps Research have conducted a study that reveals inhibiting neurons associated with the body’s stress response can potentially decrease alcohol consumption in individuals who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), even if they continue to experience trauma-related anxiety. The findings of this study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, shed light on the complex relationship between stress, trauma, and neurological disorders like PTSD and AUD. Moreover, these findings have significant implications for the development of new treatment options for individuals with comorbid PTSD and AUD.

The Role of Trauma and Stress in Alcohol Consumption

“Traumatic experiences in life can increase vulnerability to alcohol drinking and exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Alcohol is often used as a coping strategy to blur trauma-associated memories and diminish negative emotional states.” – Marisa Roberto, PhD

PTSD and AUD frequently coexist, making it crucial to understand their underlying neurological mechanisms together. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 6% of the U.S. population will develop PTSD at some point, and individuals with PTSD have a 30% lifetime prevalence of AUD. However, there are limited pharmaceutical therapies available for treating both disorders simultaneously.

In a previous study, Roberto’s team developed a rat model that exhibits symptoms similar to individuals with comorbid PTSD and AUD, including aggression, anxiety, hyperarousal, disturbed sleep, and increased alcohol consumption. In this new study, the researchers compared these rats to a group that did not display anxiety-like behaviors by providing both groups with access to alcohol and water.

The Role of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF) in Alcohol Consumption

Compared to the unstressed rats, the stressed rats exhibited higher levels of peripheral stress hormones. Additionally, various genes in the central amygdala, including the gene encoding for the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), were found to be altered in stressed rats.

CRF is present in the central amygdala, a brain region affected by excessive drinking and responsible for processing fear. Stress triggers the release of CRF, which plays a crucial role in regulating physiological responses to emotions. Previous research with rats has shown that inhibiting neurons that express CRF can reduce alcohol consumption.

After identifying higher levels of CRF in the amygdala of stressed rats, the researchers inhibited CRF-producing neurons in this group. As expected, they observed a decrease in alcohol consumption. However, contrary to their initial expectations, anxiety levels did not decrease.

“We were surprised to see that the anxiety phenotypes were not reduced when silencing CRF-expressing neurons in the central amygdala, suggesting other neuropeptide co-factors might be at play,” says Bryan Cruz, PhD, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral fellow at Scripps Research.

Implications for Future Research and Intervention Strategies

The results of this study suggest that CRF plays a role in alcohol use among individuals with comorbid PTSD and AUD. However, the researchers emphasize the need for future studies to unravel the neurological mechanisms underlying stress-related alcohol consumption and trauma-induced anxiety.

“Understanding the neurobiology of PTSD-AUD is key for the development of future intervention strategies for this devastating comorbidity,” says Roberto. “We speculate that other neuropeptides with anti-stress properties may be involved in PTSD-AUD.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
• SDG 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions the following indicators:

• Alcohol consumption levels
• Levels of peripheral stress hormones
• Gene expression in the central amygdala, specifically the gene encoding corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)
• Anxiety phenotypes

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by assessing changes in alcohol consumption, stress hormone levels, gene expression, and anxiety levels among individuals with comorbid PTSD and AUD.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: news-medical.net

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