The amygdala contains brain cells that are part of the limbic system where emotions are regulated. According to the Scripps Research Institute, the same region is associated with alcohol abuse.
In a new study published in the journal Progress in Neurobiology, researchers focus on activity in the amygdala to better understand what causes alcohol use disorder (AUD). Using mice models, the team identified the role of anti-inflammatory signaling in the amygdala or the brain's immune cells called microglia. However, previous research has not yet determined if the microglial activity results in "the transition from alcohol use to alcohol use disorder or is a consequence of alcohol intake."
The Amygdala And Alcohol Consumption
Earlier this year, Professor Marisa Roberto's team discovered that microglia promote increased drinking of alcoholic beverages. Nearly 14 million American adults are problem drinkers, noted the researchers, and result in serious consequences ranging from violent behavior to chronic illnesses.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are approximately 95,000 alcohol-related deaths per year. Nearly 10% of children in the U.S. live with a parent who has a drinking problem.
Microglia also "regulate the neurons responsible for these behavioral changes," explained Sophia Khom. Removing these brain cells would be like pressing a reset button when it comes to alcohol consumption.
The team began experimenting with the investigational drug called PLX5622 (currently in clinical trials) which removes microglia in the brain. It also reduces the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical also linked to alcohol abuse. Since neurons have a unique way of communicating with one another, Roberto explained that targeting the communication could prevent neurons from changing towards alcohol-dependent behavior.
Alcohol Use Disorder Affecting the Entire Brain
In the recent study, the researchers observed how the microglia changes due to chronic alcohol use. Reesha Patel said that as the brain immune cells are damaged, anxiety and addiction fuel alcohol use disorder.
They also identified the specific cytokine or immune protein called Interleukin 10 (IL-10), known for its anti-inflammatory properties and are produced by both microglia and T-regulatory cells. The IL-10 is responsible for limiting inflammation when there is a threat to the immune system.
When bosting IL-10 activity in mice models, results showed that there was a significant reduction in anxiety and motivation for alcohol consumption. Aside from identifying specific proteins that drive alcohol addiction, anti-inflammatory therapies can be developed by targeting the IL-10.
The new study also highlights which specific immune cells in the entire brain are affected by alcohol abuse. The researchers observed a higher number of IL-10-producing cells in the majority of the brain while there were lower levels of the cytokine in the amygdala in mice with chronic alcohol use. Further studies will be focused on how IL-10 signals neurons in the amygdala as well as other brain circuits that drive addiction and changes in behavior.
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