Microglia also may mediate the effects of alcohol administration on the development of new neurons (i.e., neurogenesis). Alcohol exposure can result in decreased hippocampal neurogenesis, an effect that may underlie alcohol-related neurodegeneration (Crews et al. 2006; Morris et al. 2010). However, alcohol exposure followed by a period of abstinence results in increased hippocampal neurogenesis, which may serve a regenerative purpose. Interestingly, this process is preceded by microglial proliferation, raising the possibility that microglia may facilitate some regenerative mechanisms in recovery from alcohol exposure (McClain et al. 2011; Nixon et al. 2008).
