ABSTRACT
Alcohol affects the mesoaccumbocingular system (ventral tegumental region, substantia nigra--nucleus accumbence--anterior cingular cortex) and other parts of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system by altering patterns of dopamine release. Alcohol stimulates functioning of the nucleus accumbence involved in the formation of the additive behaviour. The function of the anterior cingular cortex responsible for the manifestations of self-sensation emotions is also enhanced under effect of alcohol-induced activation of mid-brain dopaminergic nuclei. Morphometric characteristics of neurocytes and neurogliocytes of the mesoaccumbocingular dopaminergic system revealed during acute and long-term alcohol consumption under experimental conditions can be used for micromorphological diagnosis of different variants of alcoholic intoxication, its consequences, and alcohol dependence.
