firing in mouse lateral habenula (LHb) neurons (Agrawal et al., 2012). Due to its amphipathic nature, ethanol can easily cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and any cell membrane lipid bilayer (Kumari et al., 2018) directly affecting multiple molecular targets in neurons, including NMDA receptors, GABA A receptors, high-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (BK channel) and G protein inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels (reviewed by Abrahao et al., 2017). Differential expression of channels, receptors and enzymes as well as the complexity of neurocircuitry can underlie discrepancies in firing responses. Overall, the link between ethanol consumption and changes in excitability is well established.
