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Ethanol and delta-sleep-inducing peptide: effects on brain monoamines
R Y Yukhananov1, T M Tennilä, T I Miroshnicenko
1Institute of Pharmacology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|November 1, 1992
Summary
High active rats show higher serotonin levels and altered responses to ethanol and DSIP compared to low active rats, suggesting stress and alcohol consumption links. These findings aid in developing stress-shielding compounds.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Brain monoamine levels, including dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), are implicated in stress responses and alcohol consumption.
- Individual differences in stress coping mechanisms, such as high activity (HA) versus low activity (LA) in the forced swimming test, may correlate with neurochemical variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurochemical differences in brain regions related to stress and behavior between HA and LA rats.
- To examine the effects of ethanol and delta-Sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) on these neurochemical profiles.
- To explore the potential of these rat models for testing stress-shielding compounds.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of brain dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), serotonin (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations.
- Utilized high active (HA) and low active (LA) rat models based on forced swimming test immobilization times.
- Administered ethanol (2 g/kg, PO) and DSIP, both alone and in combination, and analyzed neurochemical changes in specific brain regions (striatum, nucleus accumbens, medial prefrontal cortex).
Main Results:
- Serotonin (5-HT) levels were higher in HA rats compared to LA rats; DA and its metabolites (DOPAC, HVA) did not differ significantly between groups.
- Ethanol administration affected DA in LA rats and 5-HT/5-HIAA in HA rats.
- DSIP reduced 5-HT in the medial prefrontal cortex (MFC) in both groups and increased striatal HVA in HA rats; it modulated ethanol's effects on 5-HT and 5-HIAA when co-administered.
Conclusions:
- Differences in serotonin concentrations correlate with activity levels and stress sensitivity in rats.
- Ethanol and DSIP exert distinct and interactive effects on brain monoamine systems, varying with activity levels.
- LA and HA rat models show promise for evaluating compounds that mitigate stress and modulate alcohol's effects.