Long-term drinking stability in the open-access self-administration monkey model.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The Non-Human Primate (NHP) model is crucial for understanding Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD).
• Previous research categorized NHP ethanol consumption into levels mirroring human drinking patterns.
• Initial categorization was based on a limited NHP cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the validity of established NHP ethanol consumption categories.
• To assess the stability of these drinking categories over an extended period.

Main Methods:

• An additional 28 rhesus macaques were included to expand the study cohort.
• Monkeys had 22 hours/day access to ethanol for 12 months ('open access' period).
• Ethanol consumption patterns were categorized and monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

• Categorical drinking patterns were consistent with the original 2014 findings.
• Drinking categories demonstrated stability over the 12-month open access period.
• Animals at the "low" and "very heavy" drinking extremes showed the most stability, with a slight escalation observed in very heavy drinkers near study's end.

Conclusions:

• The NHP model effectively categorizes voluntary, chronic ethanol consumption relevant to AUD.
• Established drinking categories are stable over time in NHPs with extended ethanol access.
• Findings support the continued use of this NHP model for AUD research, with attention to potential long-term effects.