Increased IL-6 expression in astrocytes is associated with emotionality, alterations in central amygdala GABAergic transmission, and excitability during alcohol withdrawal.

•Persistent expression of IL-6 by astrocytes alters brain biology and behavior.•IL-6 plays a role in responses to novelty and depressive-like behavior.•GABAergic signaling and neuronal excitability in the amygdala are altered by IL-6.•IL-6 regulates expression of proteins involved in synaptic function.•Alcohol alters the function of IL-6 signal transduction pathways.