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Allopregnanolone does not influence ethanol-induced conditioned place preference in DBA/2J mice
Kara I Gabriel1, Christopher L Cunningham, Deborah A Finn
1Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA. gabrielk@ohsu.edu
Psychopharmacology
|April 15, 2004
Summary
This study found that allopregnanolone (ALLOP) does not alter ethanol (EtOH)-induced place conditioning in mice. Neither ALLOP administration nor blocking its synthesis affected the expression of EtOH-associated preferences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Neurosteroids like allopregnanolone (ALLOP) share similarities with ethanol (EtOH) and can influence EtOH's effects.
- Understanding ALLOP's role in EtOH's behavioral impact is crucial for neuropharmacological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how allopregnanolone (ALLOP) modulates ethanol (EtOH)-induced place conditioning in male DBA/2J mice.
- To determine if ALLOP influences the acquisition or expression of EtOH-related preferences.
Main Methods:
- Male DBA/2J mice were subjected to a place conditioning procedure involving EtOH and ALLOP administration.
- Different doses of ALLOP and the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride were used to assess ALLOP's effects.
- Brain ALLOP levels were measured post-EtOH administration.
Main Results:
- ALLOP administration increased, while finasteride decreased, EtOH-stimulated activity during conditioning.
- Neither ALLOP nor finasteride affected the acquisition or expression of EtOH-induced conditioned place preference.
- EtOH increased brain ALLOP levels, but ALLOP administration did not further elevate them.
Conclusions:
- Allopregnanolone (ALLOP) does not appear to modulate ethanol (EtOH)-induced place conditioning in male DBA/2J mice.
- These findings suggest that ALLOP's interaction with EtOH's rewarding effects may not involve place conditioning mechanisms.
