[Alcohol motivation in rats under blockade of protein synthesis by cycloheximide]

The influence of protein blocker cycloheximide on the ethanol intake in alcohol-dependent rats was studied. It was found that intracerebroventricular as well as perifornical area hypothalamus injection of cycloheximide caused inhibition of ethanol consumption in alcohol-dependent rats, persisting for 5-9 weeks. The blockade action of cycloheximide was more strong after its injection in phase of decreased ethanol intake. At the same time it was shown an increase in water and food intake. The blockade action of cycloheximide on ethanol intake was not found in alcohol-dependent rats. These data indicate that some protein substances take part in mechanisms of organization of alcohol motivation and dependence.