Neuroadaptations of Cdk5 in cholinergic interneurons of the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex of inbred alcohol-preferring rats following voluntary alcohol drinking.

Background: Neurobiological studies have identified brain areas and related molecular mechanisms involved in alcohol abuse and dependence. Specific cell types in these brain areas and their role in alcohol-related behaviors, however, have not yet been identified. This study examined the involvement of cholinergic cells in inbred alcohol-preferring rats following 1 month of alcohol drinking.