Serotonin uptake inhibitors: effects on motivated consummatory behaviors

Within the context of the role of serotonin (5-HT) in motivated behavior, the authors examine the effects of 5-HT uptake inhibitors on the regulation of motivated consummatory behavior. Emphasis in this field has for the most part focused on the consistent observation that treatment with these agents attenuates voluntary ethanol drinking behavior in both rats and humans. There has been extensive speculation that the underlying mechanism of the decrease in ethanol intake induced by 5-HT uptake inhibition may involve a modulation of ethanol's reinforcing properties. However, increasing evidence indicates that food consumption and fluid intake are also attenuated by these compounds. In addition, it has been shown that morphine, amphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine self-administration, as well as intracranial self-stimulation, are all decreased following 5-HT uptake inhibition. These observations support strongly the notion that the effects of these agents are global in nature and not specific to any single consummatory behavior. They also suggest that 5-HT uptake inhibition may result in nonspecific modification of motivated behavior in general.