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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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Murine Drinking Models in the Development of Pharmacotherapies for Alcoholism: Drinking in the Dark and Two-bottle Choice
Published on: January 7, 2019
Studies on a model of long term alcohol drinking
J D Holt1, W P Watson, H J Little
1Drug Dependence Unit, Psychology Department, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
Behavioural Brain Research
|June 12, 2001
Summary
This study examined nimodipine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alcohol consumption models in rodents are crucial for understanding addiction.
- Dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists have been explored for their effects on drinking behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nimodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonist, on alcohol intake in a rat free-drinking model.
- To assess withdrawal symptoms and reintroduction effects after chronic ethanol exposure.
Main Methods:
- Rats were provided with free-choice access to ethanol.
- Nimodipine or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally.
- Behavioral assessments included monitoring alcohol intake and withdrawal signs.
Main Results:
- A gradual decrease in alcohol intake was observed over 9-18 months, contrary to previous reports.
- No behavioral signs of physical withdrawal were noted upon ethanol withdrawal.
- Nimodipine administration did not alter ethanol intake in rats with continuous or reintroduced access to ethanol.
Conclusions:
- The study observed an unexpected decrease in alcohol consumption over time in the free-drinking model.
- Nimodipine did not affect ethanol intake, possibly due to the low baseline consumption levels in the tested animals.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of nimodipine in alcohol consumption.
