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To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

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Monday, July 6, 2009

Modulation of Brain Endocannabinoid Levels by Voluntary Alcohol Consumption in Alcohol-Preferring AA Rats
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Published Online: 1 Jul 2009

These results demonstrate that voluntary alcohol drinking modulates the levels of endocannabinoids in several brain areas implicated in alcohol reinforcement. AEA and 2-AG were differentially affected, suggesting that they could have partially separate modulatory roles. Alterations were more widespread in females than males, possibly reflecting their higher alcohol intake. Taken together, alcohol-induced release of endocannabinoids may have an important role in alcohol reinforcement and development of alcohol addiction.


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