Naurotransmitter, Y-Mobutyric Acid (GABA)

Of the many processes of the body that change over a twenty-four-hour period, the overall physiology, biochemical reactions, and behavioral changes, can be partially explained by the circadian rhythm (Holtzberg). The circadian rhythm is governed by a series of clock genes that operate under molecular feedback loops. Overall, this entire process is maintained by an endogenous clock that is located in a small structure of the brain known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (Trujillo). Although endogenous, the components of this process are able to detect environmental cues (zeitgebers), which are typically photic or non-photic (Ehlen). Although many factors determine the regulation of the SCN, one influence in particular that has been linked with its effects is the inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ- aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is received by almost every cell of the SCN (Ehlen). One way to alter the concentration and GABA is to observe its effects through

One model typically used in the understanding of how ethanol intake is modulated by circadian factors and the corresponding behavioral responses are murine models (Brager). The strain of mouse used in this experiment were male and female C57BL/ 6J due to their enhanced sensitivity to the ethanol’s sedating properties (Crabbe). In previous studies it was found that female mice are likely to consume more ethanol than the males (Chester); this study re-examined this variable to observe which gender within our population drank more during the course of the experiment. To understand whether there is a sex difference in alcohol consumption, this study investigates how the circadian rhythm is affected with the