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Voluntary ethanol consumption in 22 inbred mouse strains
Naomi Yoneyama1, John C Crabbe, Matthew M Ford
1Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.)
|March 25, 2008
Summary
This study measured ethanol intake in 22 inbred mouse strains, finding C57BL/6J mice consumed the most. Adding saccharin increased ethanol intake in most strains, highlighting genetic influences on alcohol preference.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Genetics
- Animal Behavior Studies
Background:
- Inbred mouse strains offer genetic stability for phenotype research.
- The C57/C58 family is known for high innate ethanol consumption, but not all lineages are well-studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify ethanol preference and intake in 22 inbred mouse strains, including novel ones.
- To expand the database of ethanol consumption in diverse mouse models.
Main Methods:
- 22 inbred mouse strains (male and female) were tested using a two-bottle choice procedure.
- Mice had access to water and ethanol solutions (3-10%) with and without 0.2% saccharin.
- Ethanol intake and preference were measured over 4-day access periods per solution.
Main Results:
- C57BL/6J mice showed the highest ethanol consumption (>10g/kg/day), consistent with prior research.
- C58 and C57BLKS strains also exhibited high intake, while BUB and BTBR strains showed low intake.
- Adding saccharin significantly increased ethanol intake in most strains and altered consumption patterns.
Conclusions:
- This study provides new data on ethanol consumption in understudied inbred mouse strains.
- Results suggest genetic factors influence voluntary ethanol intake and saccharin preference.
- The findings facilitate research into genetic correlations between alcohol consumption and other phenotypes.
