A novel model of binge ethanol exposure reveals enhanced neurodegeneration with advanced age

Binge drinking is rising among aged adults (>65 years of age). The distinct effects of binge ethanol exposure on neurodegeneration in the aged brain are not well described. Using our model of intermittent binge ethanol exposure in young and aged mice, we investigated how binge ethanol expoure may promote neurodegenerative diease development. Spatial transcriptomics revealed that binge ethanol exposure enriched neurodegenerative disease pathways in the aged hippocampus, including tau hyperphosphorylation and neuronal death. These data suggest binge drinking during advanced aging may promote neurodegenerative disease development. Young (3-4 month old) and aged wild type (18-20 month old) female C57BL/6 mice were given intragastric gavages of ethanol (3g/kg) or vehicle every other day for 18 days, totaling 10 exposures. Hippocampal tissue was harvested 18 hours after final gavage for spatial transcriptomics.