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Lithium effects on adjunctive alcohol consumption. II: Effects of adding concurrent shock
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Lithium chloride administration in rats initially reduced alcohol consumption when paired with stress but did not facilitate extinction of the behavior, suggesting lithium may affect stress, extinction, or alcohol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Adjunctive behavior, such as alcohol consumption, can be established through schedules of reinforcement.
- Stressful stimuli can influence established behaviors, including substance intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic lithium chloride administration on stress-induced changes in adjunctive alcohol consumption in rats.
- To examine lithium's potential role in modulating conflict, extinction, or the reinforcing properties of alcohol.
Main Methods:
- Rats received chronic lithium chloride (20 mEq/l) in drinking water.
- Adjunctive alcohol (10% v/v) intake was established using a food delivery schedule.
- Noncontingent shock was introduced to the schedule to induce stress.
- Subsequent extinction of food and shock delivery was conducted.
Main Results:
- Introduction of shock initially reduced alcohol consumption in both lithium and control groups, with lithium-treated rats showing a slower return to baseline.
- Following shock removal (extinction), control rats showed reduced alcohol consumption, suggesting stress facilitates extinction.
- Lithium-treated rats did not exhibit this extinction effect, with alcohol consumption returning to pre-shock levels.
Conclusions:
- Lithium chloride may decrease the impact of stress on established drinking behaviors.
- Lithium may impair the extinction of adjunctive alcohol consumption.
- Alternatively, lithium might increase the reinforcing value of alcohol or a combination of these factors.