Isolation and striatal (3H) serotonin uptake: role in the voluntary intake of ethanol by rats

Ethanol preferring rats were selected and showed a constant voluntary intake of a 12 percent ethanol solution during 14 days (about 5 g/kg body weight daily). Analysis of 3H serotonin uptake by striatal synaptosomes showed that steady state 3H serotonin synaptosomal levels were lower in alcohol preferring rats. Grouping these rats (5 per cage) reduced both voluntary intake of ethanol and synaptosomal 3H serotonin uptake. Furthermore, blocking the serotonin uptake by clomipramine 5 mg X kg-1 or 10 mg X kg-1 also reduces voluntary intake of ethanol. These data are in agreement with the hypothesis of a modulation of the voluntary intake of ethanol both by chemical and housing stimulation of striatal receptors for serotonin.