Fig. 8

Local administration of nicardipine prevents ethanol-induced taurine output in the nAc. Time-course graphs of extracellular levels of A taurine in the nAc after administration of ethanol (300 mM) or vehicle (Ringer’s solution) within the nAc using reversed microdialysis. Extracellular levels of B taurine in the nAc following local perfusion with the L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker nicardipine (100 µM) alone or together with ethanol. Area under the curve of C taurine levels during local perfusion with vehicle or nicardipine during 0–60 min demonstrates no significant difference in extracellular taurine levels between the treatment groups. Area under the curve of D taurine levels during local perfusion with vehicle, ethanol or nicardipine 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 nicardipine combined with ethanol with no further elevation of extracellular taurine levels compared to nicardipine alone. All data are presented as mean ± SEM. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01. AUC = area under the curve, EtOH = ethanol, NCD = nicardipine, nAc = nucleus accumbens, Veh = vehicle.