Animal models of alcohol withdrawal

One diagnostic criterion of alcohol dependence is the appearance of a withd rawal syndrome when alcohol consumption ceases. Researchers have used vario us animal models, including isolated brain cells, slices of brain tissue, a nd intact animals, to study the mechanisms and manifestations of withdrawal . Results from these experimental studies have demonstrated that many conse quences of withdrawal found in animals resemble those observed in humans. S uch signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include enhanced activity of t he autonomic nervous system; body posture and motor abnormalities; hyperexc itability of the central nervous system including sensory hyperreactivity; convulsions; anxiety; and psychological discomfort. Researchers also have u sed animal models to study the electrophysiological correlates of withdrawa l, as well as neurobiological mechanisms underlying alcohol dependence and withdrawal.