Dr. James M. Sikela and colleagues examined two types of mice, inbred long-sleep (ILS) and inbred short-sleep (ISS). The two different strains of mice have considerably different responses to alcohol; ILS mice can be compared to a human less likely to develop alcoholism, while ISS mice would be similar to a human alcoholic.

The researchers compared their genes and discovered 41 genes that were expressed differently in the brain cells of the two types of mice.

"We have applied a new tool, high-density DNA chips -- [which have] sprung out of the Human Genome Project -- to the study of alcohol action in the brains of two strains of mice that differ in their sensitivity to alcohol," explained Sikela. "We found 41 genes that were different, and some of these are likely to be part of molecular pathways in the brain through which alcohol acts. This work provides insight into specific new molecular pathways and genes through which alcohol may work, and thus may be useful in prevention and treatment of alcohol abuse."

The study's findings are published in the June issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.

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