Genetic models of alcohol dependence.

The use of genetically specified animal strains has proven historically to be a powerful tool to examine the genetic influence on alcohol dependence and withdrawal. Animal genetic models have successfully reproduced particular aspects of the syndrome, but have not completely mimicked alcoholism. Requiring complete mimicry of an animal genetic model is unwarranted and tends to distract analysis from the point. Since many rodent models of genetic sensitivity to several effects of ethanol now exist, the focus of our efforts should be concentrated in two areas. First, genetically specified lines may be analyzed in depth to reveal mechanisms of ethanol's actions on tissue which lead ultimately to the development of alcohol dependence. Second, attention should be paid to those traits which may predict alcohol dependence susceptibility, with particular emphasis on those traits which may be directly extrapolated to human populations. Studies with WSP and WSR mice, selected for alcohol withdrawal severity are discussed in this framework.