Acute ethanol directly triggered release of endorphin and enkephalin peptides in the central amygdala (the brain's emotion/fear center), measured by real-time microdialysis — the molecular basis for alcohol's emotional effects.
Key findingIn-vivo microdialysis showed acute ethanol directly triggered beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin release in the central amygdala, providing real-time e
What the researchers found
In-vivo microdialysis showed acute ethanol directly triggered beta-endorphin and met-enkephalin release in the central amygdala, providing real-time evidence for alcohol's emotional/anxiolytic effects through local opioid peptide release in the brain's fear center.
Why it matters
Relevant for opioid-peptides, neuropeptides, addiction.
How the study worked
animal-study study.
What this study cannot tell us
See abstract.
How to read the evidence
preliminary evidence.
When this study was published
Published in 2008.
The bigger picture
Advances peptide research.
Questions still open
- Further research needed.
- Clinical translation to evaluate.
Common questions
What was studied?
What was found?
Read the original research
Effects of acute ethanol on opioid peptide release in the central amygdala: an in vivo microdialysis study.
Psychopharmacology, 201(2), 261-71
Citation
Lam, Minh P; Marinelli, Peter W; Bai, Li; Gianoulakis, Christina. (2008). Effects of acute ethanol on opioid peptide release in the central amygdala: an in vivo microdialysis study.. Psychopharmacology, 201(2), 261-71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-008-1267-8