Brain Activity Characterization Induced by Alcoholic Addiction: Spectral and Causality Analysis of Brain Areas Related to Control and Reinforcement of Impulsivity

Addiction to drugs generates modifications in the brain structure and its functions. In this work, an experimental model is described, using rats to characterize the brain activity induced by alcohol addiction. Four records were obtained using electrodes located in brain areas related to impulsivity control and reinforcement, i.e. the prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) cortex, together with the hippocampus (HPC). In the records, three main events related to the drinking action were selected: in the previous minute (T1), the first minute while drinking (T2) and the first minute after stopping drinking (T3).