Behavioral and neurochemical studies in distinct animal models of ethanol's motivational effects.

In the last decades, the goal of creating a unique and complete model of alcohol use and alcoholism has been replaced by a myriad of different animal models, each addressing a specific feature of problematic alcohol consumption. This mini-review highlights selected findings in the field of alcohol abuse and dependence, as found through the use of animal models. There are models (e.

Genetic and environmental influences on ethanol consumption: perspectives from preclinical research.

Background: Alcohol use disorders (abuse and dependence, AUD) are multifactorial phenomena, depending on the interplay of environmental and genetic variables.

Method: This review describes current developments in animal research that may help (a) develop gene therapies for the treatment of alcoholism, (b) understand the permissive role of stress on ethanol intake, and (c) elucidate why exposure to ethanol early in life is associated with a greater risk of AUD.

Results: The polymorphisms found in liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) affect the elimination of ethanol and the susceptibility to ethanol intake.