Peripheral mechanoreceptor activation modulates mesolimbic GABA and dopamine neurons and ameliorates withdrawal symptoms in ethanol dependent rats

Peripheral MStim provided protection against chronic EtOH withdrawal symptoms and dependence-induced insensitivity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neurons to ethanol reintroduction. Behavioral indices of withdrawal were substantively ameliorated with concurrent MStim treatment. These findings suggest the need to explore the specific role of mechanoreceptor-based therapies in the treatment of substance abuse