Oral ethanol reinforced behavior in inbred mice

The use of genetically defined animals in many areas of alcohol research provides valuable information about the contribution of genetic factors to ethanol-related behaviors. Utilizing the principles of operant conditioning, we determined whether mice which are known for high ethanol preference, C57BL/6J males, would orally self-administer this substance. Strategies used with other species were successful in inducing pharmacologically significant blood alcohol levels and in establishing ethanol as a reinforcer in this mouse strain. Responding for and consumption of 8% (w/v) ethanol exceeded baseline levels of responding for water. This species and method may prove useful in determining the genetic relationship among various ethanol-related behaviors and their mechanisms of action and in studies of behavior reinforced by drugs.