Use of genetically distinct mouse populations to explore ethanol reinforcement

Alcohol-induced locomotor stimulation in mice may provide an animal model of human euphoric responses to moderate alcohol (ethanol) doses. If a common mechanism mediates sensitivity to both drug reward (reinforcement) and drug stimulation, rodent models of drug stimulation would provide powerful tools for investigating drug reinforcement. In addition, stimulant sensitivity might provide a simple marker for susceptibility to ethanol reward, and perhaps addiction (e.g., Newlin and Thomson, 1991). This short report describes the use of three genetic mouse models, (1) FAST and SLOW selectively bred lines, (2) BXD Recombinant Inbred Strains, and (3) a panel of inbred strains of diverse genetic origin, to explore mechanisms mediating ethanol stimulation and reinforcement.