Adolescent binge-like exposure reduced basal α-MSH immuno-reactivity in the CeA (Lerma-Cabrera et al., 2013). Another study indicated that adolescent consumption of a sweetened alcohol solution by female Wistar rats reduced the number of CRF immuno-reactive cells in the CeA (Karanikas et al., 2013). A third study (Alaux-Cantin et al., 2013), using binge-like ethanol administration, reported lower c-fos immunoreactivity in the Acb and enduring alterations in the expression of Penk and Slc6a4. These results are consistent with the results of the present study indicating that the Acb and CeA may be vulnerable to the effects of ethanol during adolescence. In addition, the WGCNA indicated a significant number of GO categories associated with astrocytes and oligodendrocyte functions. Alterations in glial function have been produced by alcohol exposure and may contribute to alcohol drinking behavior (Lee et al., 2013; Nam et al., 2012; Paul & Medina 2012).
