All of the following actions mediate the reinforcing effects of alcohol except:
A) facilitating GABAA receptor activation in the nucleus accumbens.
B) activating GABAA receptors located on GABA neurons in the ventral tegmental area.
C) decreasing inhibition for mesolimbic dopamine neurons.
D) decreasing β-endorphin levels in the nucleus accumbens.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decreasing β-endorphin levels in the nucleus accumbens is not a mediating factor in the reinforcing effects of alcohol. Rather, alcohol increases β-endorphin release in this brain region, which contributes to the pleasurable effects of alcohol. A, B, and C are all mediating factors in alcohol's reinforcing effects.

All of the Following Actions Mediate the Reinforcing Effects of Alcohol