Neuroimmune mechanisms of glia and their interplay with alcohol exposure across the lifespan

Abstract

A plethora of studies demonstrate a link between alcohol consumption and altered immune activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Alcohol-induced immune activity has been observed in animal models of fetal alcohol syndrome, in binge models associated with adolescence and adulthood, and in chronic models of alcohol consumption in adults and aged animals. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of studies analyzing alcohol effects on immune activity in the CNS throughout the lifespan.