Mouse lines selected for alcohol consumption differ on certain measures of impulsivity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Genetics
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Alcoholics and heavy drinkers exhibit higher impulsivity than non-drinkers.
• Impulsivity may stem from genetic predispositions or alcohol-induced neuroadaptations.
• Selective breeding offers a model to investigate the genetic basis of alcohol consumption and related behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of genetics in impulsivity.
• To compare impulsivity in mice selectively bred for high (STDRHI2) versus low (STDRLO2) voluntary ethanol intake.
• To assess if genetic selection for high alcohol consumption correlates with specific impulsive traits.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted to measure impulsivity in STDRHI2 and STDRLO2 mice.
• Delay discounting was assessed using an adjusting amount procedure, measuring preference for immediate vs. delayed rewards.
• Response inhibition was evaluated using a Go/No-go task, assessing the ability to withhold a nose-poke response.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in delay discounting were observed between the high and low alcohol-drinking mouse lines.
• STDRHI2 mice exhibited more responses during the pre-cue period in the Go/No-go task compared to STDRLO2 mice.
• The increased responding in STDRHI2 mice did not correlate with a higher rate of false alarms, suggesting impaired response inhibition.

Conclusions:

• Short-term selective breeding for high alcohol consumption in mice is associated with impaired response inhibition.
• These findings suggest a genetic component linking high alcohol intake with deficits in inhibitory control.
• The study provides evidence that genetic factors influencing alcohol preference may also impact impulsivity traits relevant to addiction.