Study of Retinal Function Using Electroretinogram in Regular Alcohol Users

Alcohol is a major public health problem and its neurotoxic effects are, among other things, responsible for altering the functioning of cerebral neurotransmission pathways. The retina is an anatomical and developmental extension of the central nervous system. It is composed of several layers of retinal neurons that share similar anatomical and functional properties with brain neurons. Retinal neurons are notably equipped with a complex system of neurotransmission constituted by the main neurotransmitters that are involved in the central effects of alcohol: glutamate, dopamine, serotonin ... The retina is used here as a site of indirect investigation for abnormal central neurotransmission pathways following regular alcohol use. It is recognized to date as a good site for investigating central abnormalities in neuropsychiatric and addictive disorders. The objective of this project is to study the retinal function using electroretinogram (ERG) in regular alcohol users to isolate potential markers of cerebral neurotransmission abnormalities.