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The NMDA receptor partial agonist, 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACPC), reduces ethanol consumption in the rat
M F Stromberg1, J R Volpicelli, C P O'Brien
1Center for Studies of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Abstract:
The present studies assessed the effects of both systemic and intraaccumbens injections of 1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACPC), and NMDA partial agonist, on ethanol consumption in a limited access procedure in Wistar rats. Systemically administered ACPC reduced ethanol consumption in a dose-dependent manner, while a single dose of ACPC administered bilaterally into the nucleus accumbens also reversibly reduced ethanol consumption. Indirect measures of general appetitive behavior showed no effect of ACPC on weight or water intake, which suggests that this effect of ACPC may be specific to ethanol. These data are compatible with the role of NMDA receptors in modulating ethanol consumption and provide the first data showing that ACPC can reduce ethanol consumption. ACPC has neuroprotective effects and does not show the psychotomimetic effects observed with NMDA receptor agents. Thus, ACPC may be helpful in future clinical studies designed to reduce alcohol use.