Involvement of adenosinergic and dopaminergic systems in the regulation of alcohol or sucrose intakestudies in rodent models of self-administration

Resumen

Caffeine is a methylxanthine that acts as a nonselective adenosine antagonist, binding to adenosine A1 and A2A receptor subtypes. This substance is highly present in different beverages like coffee, tea and in energy drinks. Epidemiology studies have shown a positive correlation between the consumption of energy drinks and that of ethanol. Combination of both substances could affect alcohol consumption patterns and can modulate effects like sedation or motor incoordination. Adenosine acts on A1 and A2A receptors, which are located in brain areas involved in motivational processes. Adenosine also interacts with other neurotransmitters such as dopamine. The present research also assessed the impact of caffeine on behavioral procedures that induce individual differences in effort expenditure for food seeking behavior. Effort-related dysfunctions are seen in many psychopathologies, thus the study of individual differences could be useful to optimize treatments and to look for alternative treatments based on the adenosine system.