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A Method for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol in Rats without Water Deprivation, Saccharin Fading or Extended Access Training
Published on: January 29, 2017
Clozapine's effects on ethanol's motivational properties
M J Thrasher1, P A Freeman, F O Risinger
1Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health Sciences University 97201-3098, USA.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|September 2, 1999
Summary
Dopamine D4 receptors, targeted by clozapine, influence ethanol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Dopamine D1 and D2 receptors are known to affect ethanol's motivational properties.
- The specific role of dopamine D4 receptors in ethanol's effects remains largely uncharacterized.
- This study investigates clozapine, a dopamine D4 receptor antagonist, in relation to ethanol's behavioral impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the influence of dopamine D4 receptor antagonism on ethanol's aversive, rewarding, stimulant, and reinforcing effects.
- To elucidate the contribution of dopamine D4 receptors to ethanol-motivated behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized taste aversion conditioning with varying doses of clozapine and ethanol in mice.
- Employed conditioned place preference paradigms pairing stimuli with ethanol and/or clozapine.
- Assessed locomotor activity and fluid intake (ethanol/sucrose solutions) following clozapine administration.
Main Results:
- Clozapine partially attenuated ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion at higher doses.
- Ethanol-stimulated locomotor activity was reduced by clozapine, though clozapine alone had no effect on activity.
- Clozapine did not alter conditioned place preference or ethanol/sucrose intake, but reduced sucrose consumption.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine D4 receptors appear to play a role in mediating ethanol's stimulant effects.
- Evidence suggests a potential involvement of dopamine D4 receptors in ethanol aversion.
- Dopamine D4 receptors do not seem critical for ethanol's reward or reinforcement properties.
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