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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.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Monday, February 1, 2010

Effects of ethanol on hippocampal function during adolescence: a look at the past and thoughts on the future

It has been demonstrated by several laboratories that ethanol, both acute and chronic, produces effects that are age dependent.

Specifically, adolescent rats are less sensitive to the hypnotic and motor-impairing effects of ethanol but are more sensitive to the hypothermic effects of the drug.

However, the results on hippocampal function are not as clear. For example, there have been mixed findings regarding adolescent sensitivity of hippocampal-dependent (spatial) memory in response to ethanol.

The current review explores the present state of the field as it relates to ethanol's effects in the hippocampus, particularly as it relates to spatial memory. In addition, we review potential neurobiological mechanisms that might underlie the age-dependent effects of ethanol in the hippocampus.

Finally, future directions are proposed that will advance the state of the field as it relates to ethanol's effect during this developmental period.

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Request Reprint E-Mail: dmatthews@ntu.edu.sg

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