The contribution of electrophysiology to knowledge of the acute and chronic effects of ethanol

This review describes the effects of ethanol on the components of neuronal transmission and the relationship of such effects to the behavioural action s of ethanol. The concentrations of ethanol with acute actions on voltage-s ensitive ion channels are first described, then the actions of ethanol on l igand-gated ion channels, including those controlled by cholinergic recepto rs, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, the various excitatory amino acid recept ors, and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. Acute effects of ethanol are th en described on brain areas thought to be involved in arousal and attention , the reinforcing effects of ethanol, the production of euphoria, the actio ns of ethanol on motor:control, and the amnesic effects of ethanol; the acu te effects of ethanol demonstrated by EEG studies are also discussed. Chron ic effects of alcohol on neuronal transmission are described in the context of the various components of the ethanol withdrawal syndrome, withdrawal h yperexcitability, dysphoria and anhedonia, withdrawal anxiety, craving, and relapse drinking. Electrophysiological studies on the genetic influences o n the effects of ethanol are discussed, particularly the acute actions of e thanol and electrophysiological differences reported in individuals predisp osed to alcoholism. The conclusion notes the concentration of studies on th e classical transmitters, with relative neglect of the effects of ethanol o n peptides and on neuronal interactions between brain areas and integrated patterns of neuronal activity. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc, All rights re served.