Related Experiment Videos
Conditioned place aversion mediated by orally self-administered ethanol in the rat
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Rats avoided environments where they self-administered ethanol, despite its positive reinforcement. This conditioned place aversion suggests ethanol has aversive properties, even when orally consumed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethanol's reinforcing properties are well-established, often leading to conditioned place preference.
- However, the effects of self-administration on environmental conditioning are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether oral self-administration of ethanol leads to conditioned place preference or aversion in rats.
- To determine if ethanol acts as a positive reinforcer despite potential aversive consequences.
Main Methods:
- Rats were trained to associate one environment with 8% ethanol solution and another with water.
- Control rats had only water available in both environments.
- Blood ethanol levels were measured to confirm dosage.
Main Results:
- Experimental rats consumed more ethanol than water, achieving high blood ethanol levels.
- Despite ethanol's reinforcing nature, rats developed a conditioned place aversion to the ethanol-associated environment.
- Control rats showed no environmental preference change.
Conclusions:
- Oral ethanol self-administration can paradoxically lead to conditioned place aversion, not preference.
- This suggests that the aversive properties of ethanol, even at reinforcing doses, can override positive conditioning.
- Findings challenge traditional models of drug reinforcement and conditioning.