Adaptive change and ethanol dependence [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Peter Wilce (Principal investigator) ,  Dr John Leah

Brief description Ethanol abuse, alcoholism and the medical complications of excessive drinking are now major health problems worldwide. The alcohol dependence syndrome is characterised by tolerance and physical dependence ( the presence of a withdrawal syndrome). Ethanol withdrawal, in addition, to being a health hazard in itself, can act as a negative reinforcer to promote continued ethanol consumption. Alcohol dependence can be considered to result from adaptive changes produced by the chronic presence of ethanol in the brain. In this research programme we will learn more about the adaptive changes in the NMDA receptors, the major excitatory receptors in the brain. Current psychopharmacologic management of human alcoholism is limited and suboptimal. We will explore the efficacy of drugs to control behaviours and withdrawal-induced brain cell death. Effective treatment of the syndrome is crucial since withdrawal induces changes, which increases the severity of subsequent withdrawal episodes and its associated brain damage. The outcomes of this research will be a better understand of the underlying changes involved in ethanol dependence and better therapies to ameliorate the withdrawal syndrome.

Funding Amount $AUD 361,527.54

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant