Adolescent binge-like drinking altered the expression of 154 and 182 unique named genes in the Acb-sh and CeA, respectively (Supplemental Tables A & B), with 26 genes in common (Table 2). Although the Acb-sh and CeA are both involved in regulating alcohol drinking (reviewed in Koob et al., 1998; McBride and Li, 1998; McBride 2002), these 2 regions have different inputs and intrinsic neuronal circuits from each other (Cassell et al., 1999; Meredith 1999). However, there are some similarities, e.g., both receive DA inputs from the VTA and the principal type of neuron in both regions is the medium-sized GABAergic spiny neuron (Cassell et al., 1999; Meredith 1999). The common genes altered in both regions could be the result of the actions of ethanol on the same types of neurons and/or glia, whereas the unique effects of ethanol on gene expression within each region may be a result of ethanol acting on the different inputs to each region and the unique neuronal circuitries found within each region.
