In the mPFC, cellular stress and inflammation pathways were activated, as are many genes for oxidative phosphorylation. MiR132, which moderates neuro-inflammatory responses and is necessary for mouse PFC development, is increased in expression, perhaps in partial compensation for the increased expression of genes involved in neuro-inflammation. A disproportionate number of genes enriched in astrocytes had decreased expression, which may indicate a loss or decreased production of astrocytes in the mPFC. Multiple genes that are upregulated in response to cellular stress are highly increased in four brain regions of these animals, indicating a global response to the stress of repeated binge-like drinking of high amounts of alcohol.
