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A Method for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol in Rats without Water Deprivation, Saccharin Fading or Extended Access Training
Published on: January 29, 2017
Ethanol ingestive behavior as a function of central neurotransmission
K Blum1, A H Briggs, M C Trachtenberg
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas, San Antonio 78484-7764.
Experientia
|May 15, 1989
Summary
This study explores how the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
- Alcohol Research
Background:
- Uncontrollable alcohol consumption is associated with central neurotransmission deficits.
- The pineal gland influences ethanol intake across various animal models.
- Opioid systems (beta-endorphin, enkephalin, dynorphin) are implicated in alcohol/opiate actions and addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol ingestive behavior.
- To examine the role of the pineal gland and hypothalamic opioid peptides in alcohol intake.
- To identify specific brain regions involved in alcohol preference.
Main Methods:
- Review of evidence linking ingestive behaviors with the ventral tegmental accumbens-hypothalamic axis.
- Examination of the involvement of dopamine and serotonin in ingestive behaviors.
- Analysis of regional differences in alcohol-preferring versus alcohol-nonpreferring mice.
Main Results:
- The opioidergic system is involved in alcohol's effects and addiction predisposition.
- Dopamine and serotonin are reciprocally involved in the ventral tegmental accumbens-hypothalamic axis related to ingestive behaviors.
- The striatum and hypothalamus show regional differences between alcohol-preferring and non-preferring mice.
Conclusions:
- Photoperiod-induced alcohol intake may be modulated by changes in pineal and hypothalamic opioid peptides.
- Specific brain regions, including the striatum and hypothalamus, play a role in alcohol preference.
- Neurotransmitter systems, particularly opioids, dopamine, and serotonin, are critical in regulating alcohol consumption.
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