Ethanol-Induced Behavioral Sensitization in Adolescent and Adult Mice: Role of the nNOS Gene

摘要: Background:  In the brain, nitric oxide (NO) produced by neuronal synthase (nNOS) has a role in synaptic plasticity. Recent evidence suggests of NO variety effects alcohol central nervous system. The current study investigated nNOS gene development behavioral sensitization to ethanol adolescent and adult mice. Methods:  Adolescent wild type (WT; B6;129SF2) knockout (KO; B6;129S4-Nos1) mice both sexes received saline or (1.5 g/kg; intraperitoneally) for 5 consecutive days, locomotor activity was recorded daily. response challenge injections at various time points following withdrawal from ethanol. Results:  WT but not KO developed long-lasting sensitized as well context-dependent hyperlocomotion (in saline) adolescence through adulthood; sex-dependent differences were observed. Compared mice, males short-term hyperlocomotion; females showed only hyperlocomotion. Adult (like their counterparts) did develop sensitization; no significant between Blood concentrations show genotype- differences. Conclusions:  (1) is required male female mice. (2) exposure results adulthood, while shorter sensitization. (3) Sex-dependent are observed when begins adulthood adolescence. (4) Ethanol-induced nNOS-dependent females. Taken together, suggest genotype-, ontogeny-, ethanol.