Enhanced GABAergic transmission in the central nucleus of the amygdala of genetically selected Marchigian Sardinian rats: Alcohol and CRF effects

► GABA release is larger in msP rats compared to Sprague Dawley and Wistar rats. ► Ethanol- and CRF-induced increase in CeA GABA release is comparable in the 3 rat lines. ► CRF1 antagonist-induced decrease in GABA release is comparable in the 3 rat lines. ► msP rats with history of ethanol show enhanced GABA release compared to naïve msP. ► History of ethanol abolishes the CRF1 antagonist-induced decrease in GABA release.