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Modulation of ethanol reinforcement by conditioned hyperthermia
1Department of Medical Psychology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098.
Psychopharmacology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
A signal for ethanol availability conditioned rats to increase body temperature and motivated them to drink more ethanol. This effect disappeared when ethanol was replaced with sucrose, highlighting ethanol's unique properties.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Conditioned stimuli can influence drug-seeking behavior.
- Ethanol's effects on body temperature are well-documented.
- Understanding motivational aspects of ethanol consumption is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a signal predicting ethanol availability elicits a conditioned thermal response.
- To determine if this signal alters ethanol self-administration.
- To explore the link between conditioned responses and ethanol's motivational effects.
Main Methods:
- Rats (n=8) underwent differential conditioning with signalled (CS+) and unsignalled (Blank+) ethanol access.
- Body temperature was monitored via telemetry.
- Operant responding for ethanol was measured.
Main Results:
- The signal (CS+) acquired the ability to increase body temperature, similar to experimenter-administered ethanol.
- Ethanol self-administration increased on signalled trials (CS+).
- The conditioned response correlated with ethanol intake; the effect vanished with sucrose, indicating ethanol specificity.
Conclusions:
- Conditioned stimuli associated with ethanol can elicit physiological responses and enhance motivation for ethanol.
- Ethanol's pharmacological properties are key to these conditioned effects.
- Findings support theories linking conditioned responses, motivation, and ethanol's unconditioned effects.