Abstract
α-Adrenoceptor number and function were assessed in rat cortex after ethanol and immobilization stress. Rats subjected to immobilization stress for 2 h/day/7 days showef a significant reduction in α2-adrenoceptors in cortex ([3H]clonidine binding) but no change in α1-adrenoceptors ([3H]prazosin binding). The inhibitory effect of clonidine (500 nM) on 3H efflux from cortical slices preincubated with [3H]norepinephrine was reversed in the stressed animals. These effects on α2-adrenoceptor number and function were reduced when stress was accompanied by chronic administration of ethanol (35% of calories in a liquid diet) although when given alone ethanol produced small changes in the same direction as those produced by stress. It is suggested that, in its effects on cortical α-adrenoceptors, chronic ethanol administration attenuates the effects of severe stress though itself perhaps acting as a mild stressor when given as part of a liquid diet regimen.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 145-149 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Brain Research |
Volume | 288 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 12 1983 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by grants from the Medical Research Council and the Bethlem-Maudsley Fund.
Keywords
- ethanol
- immobilization stress
- α-adrenoceptors
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Neurology
- Developmental Biology