Effects of the anticonvulsant Galonal during long-term alcohol exposure

Introduction Galonal increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in the brain by having a modulatory effect on neuronal GABAA-receptors (GABAA-R). The presence of functional GABAA-R on the surface of immune cells, in particular T-lymphocytes, which mediate modulation of the cell’s functional activity has also been described. Chronic alcohol use is associated with significant T-lymphocytes dysregulation within the adaptive immune system. It suggests that synthetic GABAA-R ligand Galonal, similar to its effects on neuronal cells, may cause modulation of the functional activity of the lymphocytes, thereby influencing the intensity of the immune response. Objectives Considering the fact that GABAA-R proved to be the molecular targets of ethanol on the immune and nervous cells, we investigated behavior and immunomodulatory effects of the artificial GABA receptor ligand Galonal during long-term alcohol exposure to find new perspective pharmacological substances in the treatment of alcoholism. Methods Galonal (100 mg/kg) was administered in mice with 6-month 10% ethanol exposure (suspension of 1% starch mucus intragastrically) for 10 days, after which animal’s alcohol consumption, behavior and immune parameters were estimated. Results After the course of Galonal administration a decrease in alcohol motivation and stimulation of exploratory behavior have been established in long-term alcoholized mice. An increase in the humoral immune response was also recorded, assessed by the absolute and relative numbers of AFC, to a level characteristic of healthy animals of the corresponding age. Significant stimulation of the cellular immune response, estimated by the DTH reaction and lymphocytes proliferative activity was also registered. Conclusions Galonal demonstrated positive neuroimmunomodulation effect during long-term alcohol exposure, therefore, its promising for clinical use in the treatment of alcoholism. Disclosure of Interest None Declared