Effects of different forms of environmental stimulation on the alcohol-induced behavioral alterations: Involvement of epigenetic modifications and of transcriptional and neurotrophic factors

• Grant number: 12/09898-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): September 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Rosana Camarini
• Grantee: Marcos Brandão Contó
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Alcohol dependence is one of the most common substance use disorders and scientific research involving pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are of great importance in order to reach an effective treatment in dependence. The animal models of environment enrichment and the physical exercise have demonstrated promising results regarding the prevention in developing dug dependence in general. In our laboratory, we have shown the reversion of ethanol behavioral sensitization by environmental enrichment (Rueda et al, 2011- Processo FAPESP - 08/51790-3). More studies, however, are necessary, involving prevention and, above all, treatment of ethanol's dependence through different forms of environment stimulation. Genetic variations of human clock genes have been associated with alcohol intake. Furthermore, both drugs of abuse (including ethanol) and environmental stimuli can alter the circadian rhythm. The proposal of the present study is verify whether physical exercise is also capable to reverse ethanol behavioral sensitization. The rewarding effects of ethanol will be evaluated by conditioned place preference, after exposure to those environmental manipulations. Further researches addressing a higher comprehension of the molecular alterations underlying both the dependence and its treatment are needed as well. Thus, the aim of the present study is verify, in brain regions related to dependence, possible epigenetic alterations - involving DNA methylation- and in the expression of BDNF, CREB, PER1, PER2, SIRT1 and SIRT2 in mice conditioned and sensitized to ethanol.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CONTO, MARCOS BRANDAO; DOS SANTOS, NILTON BARRETO; MUNHOZ, CAROLINA DEMARCHI; MARCOURAKIS, TANIA; D'ALMEIDA, VANIA; CAMARINI, ROSANA. Exposure to Running Wheels Prevents Ethanol Rewarding Effects: The Role of CREB and Deacetylases SIRT-1 and SIRT-2 in the Nucleus Accumbens and Prefrontal Cortex. Neuroscience, v. 469, p. 125-137, AUG 10 2021. (18/05038-0, 12/09898-7)