Fig. 7
Astrocyte inhibition by fluorocitrate elevates taurine levels after ethanol. Time-course graphs of extracellular levels of A taurine in the nAc after ethanol (300 mM) or vehicle (Ringer’s solution) administration within the nAc using reversed microdialysis. Extracellular levels of B taurine in the nAc after local administration of fluorocitrate (25 µM) alone or together with ethanol. Area under the curve of C taurine levels during local perfusion with vehicle or fluorocitrate in the nAc during time point 0–60 min demonstrates fluorocitrate to increase extracellular taurine levels compared to Ringer-treated controls. Area under the curve of D taurine levels during local perfusion with vehicle, ethanol or fluorocitrate alone or together with ethanol in the nAc during time point 60–180 min shows ethanol to increase extracellular taurine levels compared to Ringer-treated controls and fluorocitrate combined with ethanol to increase extracellular taurine levels compared to fluorocitrate alone. All data are presented as mean ± SEM. **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001. AUC = area under the curve, EtOH = ethanol, FC = fluorocitrate, nAc = nucleus accumbens, Veh = vehicle.
