Search
Olivier George
- Jan 14, 2020
- 3 min
Building a brain map of alcohol dependence.
This new paper provide the first brain map of alcohol dependence at single cell resolution in an animal model of Alcohol use disorder. Employing advanced technologies that allow whole brain imaging at single-cell resolution, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine report that in an alcohol-dependent mouse model, the rodent brain’s functional architecture is substantially remodeled. But when deprived of alcohol, the mice displayed increased coordin
171 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Mar 26, 2019
- 3 min
Identification of a neuronal pathway responsible for excessive drinking and alcohol dependence
This new paper identify a key brain network responsible for alcohol dependence and demonstrates that it is possible to reverse the desire to drink in alcohol-dependent rats by targeting this specific group of neurons using lasers. In a new study published online in Nature Communications on March 18, 2019, Dr. de Guglielmo used behavioral models, molecular biology, electrophysiology and optogenetics to unveil the role of a corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) neuronal ensemble
109 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Oct 14, 2018
- 3 min
Identification of an Orphan Receptor as Novel Molecular Target for Alcohol Dependence.
The George lab identified the orphan receptor GPR139 as a potential target for the treatment of compulsive alcohol drinking and hyperalgesia during alcohol withdrawal. This study, lead by Dr. Jenni Kononoff provides robust preclinical evidence fort the efficacy of using GPR139 modulators for the treatment of alcoholism, and identify the habenula as a key brain region responsible for the therapeutic effect of GPR139 modulators. For details on the study, see the Research Highli
92 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Jul 5, 2018
- 1 min
A novel target for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Dr. de Guglielmo from the George lab published a new study in collaboration with the Palmer lab (UCSD) that provide robust preclinical evidence that a novel compound called pBBG is more effective in reducing alcohol intake in dependent rats than in nondependent rats. Previous studies showed that the glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) gene modulates anxiety-like behavior, seizure susceptibility, depression-like behavior, and alcohol drinking in the drinking-in-the-dark paradigm in nondepende
136 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Aug 26, 2017
- 2 min
Alcohol binge-drinking facilitates the transition to dependence, but regular drinking may be almost
The George lab published a new study providing preclinical evidence that several months of alcohol binge-like drinking facilitates the transition to compulsive-like alcohol drinking, but that regular drinking ultimately leads to similar level of compulsive drinking. This preclinical study lead by Dr. Adam Kimbrough (Research Associate in the George lab) shows that in rats, 5 months of prior intermittent, but not continuous, access to ethanol, accelerated the transition to exc
102 views0 comments
Olivier George
- May 27, 2017
- 1 min
Cortical and Amygdalar Neuronal Ensembles in Alcohol Seeking, Drinking and Withdrawal
The George lab published a new invited review in collaboration with Dr. Bruce Hope at the National Institute on Drugs of Abuse (NIDA) on the identification of specific neuronal ensembles responsible for different aspects of alcohol use disorder. This review is part of a special issue of Neuropharmacology edited by Dr. Adron R. Harris (University of Texas at Austin) and Dr. George F, Koob (NIH/NIAAA) on the Neuropharmacology of Alcoholism. Article on the Neuropharmacology's we
108 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Apr 11, 2017
- 3 min
Voluntary vaping alcohol produces alcohol dependence in rats.
The George lab published a new study providing preclinical evidence that self-administration of alcohol vapor produces alcohol dependence in rats. This preclinical study lead by Dr. de Guglielmo (Senior Research Associate in the George lab) demonstrates voluntary induction and maintenance of alcohol dependence in rats using alcohol vapor self-administration. This study is groundbreaking for two reasons. The first is because it shows that vaping alcohol, a new trend in adolesc
179 views0 comments
