The interaction of alcohol with brain reward circuitry (I)

Alcohol interacts with neurons within the ventral tegmental area in several ways.^[1]

• Alcohol acts directly or indirectly on mu-receptors, causing the release of endogenous opioids (e.g., enkephalin).
• Alcohol also acts at presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and presynaptic voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) to inhibit glutamate release.
• Alcohol can enhance GABA release, by antagonising presynaptic GABA_B receptors, and through direct or indirect actions at GABA_A receptors.

Reference:
[1] Stahl SM. Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology. Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. 4th edition. © Cambridge University Press, 2013.

[2] Gilpin NW, Koob GF. Neurobiology of alcohol dependence: focus on motivational mechanisms. Alcohol Res Health 2008; 31 (3): 185–195.