Selank Inhibits Ethanol-Induced Hyperlocomotion and Manifestation of Behavioral Sensitization in DBA/2 Mice

The effect of non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics on the ethanol-induced hyperlocomotion and behavioral sensitization was assessed in male DBA/2 mice. Selank that enhances activity of the endogenous opioid system (0.3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), similar to the nonselective opiate receptor blocker naloxone (1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), prevented the development of ethanol-induced (2.0 g/kg intraperitoneally) hyperlocomotion, in contrast to σ1-receptors agonist Afobazole (1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) that did not inhibit ethanol-induced behavioral stimulation. Single dose of Selank significantly blocked manifestation of motor sensitization without affecting its formation. These findings suggest that Selank can modulate the motivational effects of ethanol.