Acupuncture inhibits GABA neuron activity in the ventral tegmental area and reduces ethanol self-administration

This is another study looking at alcohol self-administration, in Rats, mind you, but this one looks at the brain physiology behind acupuncture's effects. Their conclusion was "These findings suggest that DOR-mediated opioid modulation of VTA GABA neurons may mediate acupuncture's role in modulating mesolimbic DA release and suppressing the reinforcing effects of ethanol." I did a previous post looking at those tippling rodents here. They use Heart 7 as their therapeutic point, which implies that they think drinking is more related to the heart and spirit than a liver imbalance. It is close to PC 6 which has been repeatedly shown to decrease the stress response, so very thought provoking in terms of clinical utility.

(To read further about acupuncture, HRV, and my practice please click here.)

Acupuncture inhibits GABA neuron activity in the ventral tegmental area and reduces ethanol self-administration.

Yang CH, Yoon SS, Hansen DM, Wilcox JD, Blumell BR, Park JJ, Steffensen SC.

Daegu Haany University, Daegu, South Korea.
Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2010 Dec;34(12):2137-46. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01310.x. Epub 2010 Sep 22.
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Withdrawal from chronic ethanol enhances ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neuron excitability and reduces mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurotransmission, which is suppressed by acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) points (Zhao et al., 2006). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HT7 acupuncture on VTA GABA neuron excitability, ethanol inhibition of VTA GABA neuron firing rate, and ethanol self-administration. A role for opioid receptors (ORs) in ethanol and acupuncture effects is also explored.

METHODS: Using electrophysiological methods in mature rats, we evaluated the effects of HT7 stimulation and opioid antagonists on VTA GABA neuron firing rate. Using behavioral paradigms in rats, we evaluated the effects of HT7 stimulation and opioid antagonists on ethanol self-administration using a modification of the sucrose-fading procedure.

RESULTS: HT7 stimulation produced a biphasic modulation of VTA GABA neuron firing rate characterized by transient enhancement followed by inhibition and subsequent recovery in 5 minutes. HT7 inhibition of VTA GABA neuron firing rate was blocked by systemic administration of the nonselective μ-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. HT7 stimulation significantly reduced ethanol suppression of VTA GABA neuron firing rate, which was also blocked by naloxone. HT7 acupuncture reduced ethanol self-administration without affecting sucrose consumption. Systemic administration of the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) antagonist naltrindole blocked ethanol suppression of VTA GABA neuron firing rate and significantly reduced ethanol self-administration without affecting sucrose consumption.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that DOR-mediated opioid modulation of VTA GABA neurons may mediate acupuncture's role in modulating mesolimbic DA release and suppressing the reinforcing effects of ethanol.
Copyright © 2010 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2010 Dec;34(12):2137-46. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01310.x. Epub 2010 Sep 22.