Alcohol exposure during adolescence impairs auditory fear conditioning in adult Long-Evans rats.

Full Abstract

Few studies have examined long-term effects of ethanol on auditory fear conditioning, and fewer still have examined whether adolescence represents a unique period of vulnerability. We investigated the impact of ethanol consumption during adolescence and adulthood on fear conditioning, following an extended abstinence period. Male and female Long-Evans rats (N = 80) consumed 10% ethanol or water (control) in a limited-access drinking paradigm (1 h) between postnatal (P) days 28-45 (adolescent) and P80-97 (adult). After the abstinence period (30 days), ethanol and control groups were assessed on the auditory fear-conditioning task. Alcohol consumption impaired tone conditioning in the male and female adolescent group. There were no persisting effects of adult dosing. In addition, adolescent rats consumed more ethanol than adults. These data provide evidence that ethanol consumption during adolescence produces enduring effects on auditory fear conditioning. The age-specific effect of ethanol may be attributable to an interplay of higher ethanol intake and the unique neurobiological characteristics of adolescents.

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Author information

Author/s: Bergstrom, Hadley C (HC); McDonald, Craig G (CG); Smith, Robert F (RF);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA. hbergstr(-atsign-)gmu.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Physiology & behavior (Physiol Behav), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jul; vol 88 (issue 4-5) : pp 466-72

Dates: Created 2006/07/31; Completed 2006/09/28; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16753191, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Acoustic Stimulation
Aging - psychology
Alcohol Drinking - psychology
Animals
Central Nervous System Depressants - pharmacology
Conditioning, Operant - drug effects
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Drinking - drug effects; physiology

Drinking - drug effects; physiology
Ethanol - pharmacology
Fear - drug effects
Female
Male
Rats
Rats, Long-Evans
Sex Characteristics

Associated Chemicals: Central Nervous System Depressants (0) ; Ethanol (64-17-5)

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