Alcoholism has profound effects on the immune system, including the immune system of the brain. There is evidence that alcoholism increases neuroimmune signaling and inflammation. Alcoholic human brains have increased amounts of neuroimmune signaling molecules, and increasing neuroimmune signaling leads to increased alcohol consumption in animals. There is a possibility that decreasing neuroimmune signaling will lead to decreased alcohol drinking. The proposed experiments will investigate the role of a particular neuroimmune signaling molecule, MCP-1, in an animal model of drinking behavior. We will increase or decrease the amount of MCP-1 signaling in the brain and measure the effect on drinking behavior. There are three phases of drinking behavior we will investigate. First, we will look at the acquisition of drinking behavior (i.e., an animal that has never drunk before will be given increased or decreased amount of MCP-1 signaling and we will measure the ability of the animal to start drinking). Next, we will look at the escalation of drinking behavior (i.e., the animal will increase its drinking over time, and we will increase or decrease the amount of MCP-1 signaling to see if it increases or decreases the amount of alcohol the animal drinks over time). Third, we will look at drinking behavior in an addicted animal (i.e., the rodent will become dependent on alcohol, and then we will increase or decrease the amount of MCP-1 signaling and measure its effect on drinking). Novel aspects of the application include using MCP-1 injections to regulate chronic drinking behavior and using MCP-1 antagonists to regulate either acute or chronic drinking behavior. The mechanisms of addiction are mysterious. The research proposed in this application will provide critical new knowledge about a new area of research and will increase our understanding of addiction. By understanding how neuroimmune signaling can regulate drinking behavior, we can develop insights into the transition from healthy to unhealthy drinking behavior and we can develop new molecular targets for treatment.

Public Health Relevance

The research proposed in this application will test the ability of the brain's immune system to regulate alcohol consumption. This knowledge will help us develop insights into the transition from healthy to unhealthy drinking behavior and develop new treatment options for alcoholics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31AA022284-01
Application #
8527207
Study Section
Health Services Research Review Subcommittee (AA)
Program Officer
Grandison, Lindsey
Project Start
2013-09-01
Project End
2015-08-31
Budget Start
2013-09-01
Budget End
2014-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$36,732
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Austin
Department
Type
Schools of Pharmacy
DUNS #
170230239
City
Austin
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78712