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Losartan reduces ethanol intoxication in the rat
M J Wayner1, J L Polan-Curtain, S C Chiu
1Division of Life Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio 78249-0662.
Alcohol (Fayetteville, N.Y.)
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, partially blocked ethanol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethanol impairs hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a process crucial for memory.
- Previous research indicated angiotensin II (AII) and AT1 receptors mediate ethanol's inhibitory effects on LTP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, could block observable behavioral effects of ethanol in rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered varying doses of ethanol (2 g/kg and 4 g/kg).
- Losartan was administered at different doses (20 mg/kg) to assess its blocking effects on ethanol-induced intoxication.
Main Results:
- Losartan effectively blocked some behavioral effects of low-dose ethanol (2 g/kg).
- High-dose losartan (20 mg/kg) did not significantly block the intoxicating effects of high-dose ethanol (4 g/kg).
Conclusions:
- AT1 receptor antagonism may mitigate some, but not all, behavioral effects of ethanol.
- Higher ethanol doses may exert intoxicating effects through mechanisms independent of AT1 receptors, potentially direct postsynaptic actions.