Reduced neuropeptide Y mRNA expression in the central nucleus of amygdala of alcohol preferring (P) rats: its potential involvement in alcohol preference and anxiety

Levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression in discrete brain regions of alcohol preferring (P) rats and alcohol nonpreferring (NP) rats were examined using in situ hybridization. NPY mRNA expression was significantly lower in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) of P rats than NP rats, whereas no differences were found in the medial or basolateral amygdaloid nuclei. This study suggests that reduced NPY gene expression in the CeA may contribute to differences in alcohol preference and other behavioral differences observed between P and NP rats.