Genes encoding receptor subunits and transporters for several neurotransmitters were differentially expressed (Table 1). The glutamate system had the largest number of genes with altered expression, with nearly equal numbers increased and decreased. Three of the four NMDA receptor subunits and four of the 6 metabotropic receptors had decreased expression with alcohol drinking. Expression of the vesicular transporter gene Slc17a6 (encoding VGLUT2) was decreased, whereas Slc17a7 (encoding VGLUT1) was increased. Two glutamate reuptake transporters, Slc1a3 (astrocytes) and Slc1a6 (neuronal), had increased expression in the alcohol group, while another astrocyte-associated transporter, Slc1a2, had decreased expression.
