Problemas Relacionados al Alcohol: Bases Neurobiológicas del consumo de alcohol y Modelos Animales desarrollados para el abordaje de estas problemáticas

The present review is focused on animal models for the study of alcohol use, abuse and dependence. These models have helped to understand several features of alcohol consumption, ranging from genetic influences to environmental factors such us early experiences with the drug. Additionally, animal models have been useful tools to assess the efficacy of pharmacological treatments as well as alcohol associated phenomena, such as craving, tolerance and reinstatement. First we introduce a short description of the neurobiological basis of alcohol reinforcement, focused on the opiate system. Then we cover several animal models, from genetic models, and models focused on the study of alcohol related disorders to animal models that emphasize the importance of early experiences with the drug in the development of alcohol use and alcohol related disorders.