Neuromorphological characteristics of caudate nucleus of predisposed to alcohol dependence

We analyzed morphological changes in neurons of caudate nucleus of rats predisposed to alcohol dependence. Rats were selected using the method of determining alcohol motivation, based on determining the level of general nonspecific reactivity of the body. Paraffin sections 4-6 pm thick were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, thionine according to the Nissl method. Morphological and functional differences in the structural organization were revealed in the caudate nuclei of rats predisposed to alcohol dependence: a significantly higher bulk density of perikarya of neurons, their nuclei, average volume of perikarya of neurons, against a background of a reduced bulk density of neuropil compared to animals not prone to alcoholization, which indicates the presence of constitutionally determined differences in neuroanatomy of rat caudate nuclei.