Arousal-induced noradrenergic signaling modulates cortical astrocyte-neuron circuits during ethanol consumption

Patients with disorders in arousal, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are particularly susceptible to developing alcohol use disorders (AUD). In this application, I will study the novel role of astrocyte-neuron networks in the prefrontal cortex and their modulation by arousal-induced noradrenergic release while mice actively drink alcohol. These longitudinal studies of the relationship between astrocyte-neuron dynamics and arousal during alcohol consumption will provide important information on arousal disorders, such as PTSD and AUD, and may provide clinical hallmarks or therapeutic avenues for the treatment of these disorders.