Many ion channel genes were differentially expressed (Table 3). Among the K+-channels that were differentially expressed, 11 of 15 K+ voltage-gated channels had reduced expression in the drinking group. In contrast, 3 of 4 K+-inward rectifying channels had increased expression. Among the differentially expressed Na+-channels, 6 of 8 voltage-gated channels had reduced gene expression. The two voltage-dependent calcium channels expressed at highest levels (Cacna1a, Cacna1g) were both increased, while 3 expressed at lower levels were decreased. Both intracellular chloride channels that were differentially expressed were increased.
