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Free-choice ethanol consumption by rats: effects of ACTH4-10
S Krishnan1, J F Nash, R P Maickel
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1334.
Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.)
|September 11, 1991
Summary
Immobilization stress and ACTH4-10 peptide significantly impact rat ethanol consumption. ACTH4-10, derived from ACTH1-39, effectively blocks ethanol intake, suggesting its role in consummatory behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethanol consumption and stress activate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is a key regulator of stress response and has been implicated in various behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of immobilization stress and specific ACTH fragments (ACTH1-24 and ACTH4-10) on ethanol consumption in rats.
- To determine if ACTH4-10 plays a role in modulating ethanol intake behavior.
Main Methods:
- Rats were given a choice between saccharin and ethanol solutions.
- Animals were subjected to unpredictable immobilization stress or intraperitoneal injections of ACTH1-24 or ACTH4-10.
- Ethanol and saccharin consumption were measured during and after treatments.
Main Results:
- Immobilization stress decreased ethanol consumption during the stress period.
- ACTH1-24 did not significantly affect ethanol consumption.
- ACTH4-10 administration resulted in a near-complete blockade of ethanol consumption.
- Saccharin consumption remained unaffected by any treatment.
Conclusions:
- The ACTH4-10 fragment, derived from ACTH1-39, plays a significant role in regulating ethanol consummatory behavior in rats.
- These findings highlight a potential neurobiological pathway involving ACTH4-10 in the control of alcohol intake.