Sara Faccidomo

Ethanol Self-Administration Reduces mGlu2/3 Protein Expression in the Nucleus Accumbens and mGlu2/3 Activation Suppresses Binge Drinking in Male Mice

Glutamate delta-1 receptors regulate a novel tonic excitatory conductance in the mouse bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and influence neuronal function

TARP γ-8 is a target of ethanol that regulates self-administration and relapse in mice

This study shows that TARP γ-8 regulates ethanol reinforcement and relapse in mice, with reduced self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement in TARP γ-8 heterozygous null mice.

Sex Differences in Home-Cage Ethanol Drinking and Operant Self-Administration in C57BL/6J Mice but Equivalent Regulation by Glutamate AMPAR Activity

This study examines sex differences in ethanol consumption and its regulation by glutamate AMPA receptors in C57BL/6J mice, finding higher ethanol intake and reinforcement in females.

Operant alcohol self-administration targets GluA2-containing AMPAR expression and synaptic activity in the nucleus accumbens in a manner that drives the reinforcing properties of the drug

This study shows that ethanol self-administration increases GluA2-containing AMPAR expression and synaptic activity in the nucleus accumbens, which enhances ethanol's reinforcing effects through an NSF-dependent mechanism.

Inhibition of AMPA receptors bound to transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein γ-8 (TARP γ-8) blunts the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol and sucrose in a brain region-dependent manner

This study inhibits TARP γ-8 bound AMPARs in specific brain regions to show their role in alcohol and sucrose reinforcement, finding region-specific effects on reward behavior.

Calcium-Permeable AMPA Receptor Activity and GluA1 Trafficking in the Basolateral Amygdala Regulate the Positive Reinforcing Effects of Alcohol

This study shows that calcium-permeable AMPA receptors and GluA1 trafficking in the basolateral amygdala regulate alcohol reinforcement in mice.

Manipulations of central amygdala neurotensin neurons alter the consumption of ethanol and sweet fluids in mice

This study shows that neurotensin neurons in the central amygdala of mice influence ethanol and sweet fluid consumption through projections to the parabrachial nucleus.

Alcohol Drinking Exacerbates Neural and Behavioral Pathology in the 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

This study shows that non-dependent alcohol drinking worsens AD-like neural and behavioral issues in 3xTg-AD mice.