Surgical incision pain induced an increase in alcohol consumption in mice

Sofia Ghani ¹, Yasmin Alkhlaif ¹, Jared Mann ¹

⁰Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.

Alcohol +

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March 13, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Postoperative pain in male mice increases alcohol intake and preference. Pain relief medication blocked this effect, suggesting sex and pain sensitivity influence the alcohol-pain relationship.

Area Of Science

Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Behavioral Science

Background

Population studies indicate a link between alcohol consumption and pain perception.
Increased pain intensity correlates with higher alcohol intake and hazardous drinking, raising the risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD).

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the impact of acute postoperative pain on alcohol consumption using animal models.
To characterize alcohol intake and preference in mice following surgical procedures.

Main Methods

Utilized a 2-bottle choice paradigm to assess alcohol intake and preference in mice after laparotomy.
Administered ketoprofen to evaluate its effect on alcohol consumption post-surgery.
Assessed alcohol initial sensitivity and acute functional tolerance via loss of righting reflex (LORR).

Main Results

Laparotomy surgery significantly increased alcohol intake and preference in male mice, but not in females.
Ketoprofen administration prevented the surgery-induced increase in alcohol consumption in males.
Post-surgical changes in alcohol initial sensitivity and acute functional tolerance were observed in mice.

Conclusions

Sex differences play a role in the relationship between pain and alcohol consumption.
Pain and alcohol sensitivity factors may modulate the interaction between alcohol use and pain.

Keywords:

acute pain alcohol laparotomy mice