BACKGROUND: Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
ergic systems in the central amygdala (CeA) are implicated in the high-anxiety, high-drinking
profile associated with ethanol dependence. Ethanol augments CeA GABA release in
ethanol-naive rats and mice. METHODS: Using naive and ethanol-dependent rats, we
compared electrophysiologic effects and interactions of CRF and ethanol on CeA
GABAergic transmission, and we measured GABA dialyzate in CeA after injection of CRF1 …