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The dipsogen angiotensin II does not stimulate ethanol intake in mice
J R Blair-West1, D A Denton, M I McBurnie
1Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Physiology & Behavior
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Mice given angiotensin II (Ang II) did not drink ethanol for thirst relief, preferring water. Chronic ethanol intake did not impair thirst for water, suggesting taste aversion and metabolic factors influence fluid choice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a potent dipsogen that stimulates thirst.
- The effect of chronic ethanol consumption on ingestive responses to dipsogenic stimuli is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic ethanol intake on the ingestive behavior of mice in response to central angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion.
- To determine if ethanol consumption alters the thirst response to Ang II and if mice prefer ethanol over water when experiencing Ang II-induced thirst.
Main Methods:
- Mice were habituated to ethanol solutions or given water only (naive).
- Intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of Ang II was administered for 8 days.
- Fluid intake (water and ethanol) was measured daily.
- Preference-aversion tests were conducted with ethanol and water access.
Main Results:
- Ang II infusion significantly increased water intake in alcohol-naive mice.
- Both alcohol-naive and ethanol-habituated mice did not increase fluid intake until water was provided, indicating unimpaired thirst for water.
- Mice showed a strong aversion to drinking ethanol, even at lower concentrations, when water was available, suggesting taste aversion and postingestional factors play a role.
Conclusions:
- Chronic ethanol intake does not impair the thirst response to angiotensin II.
- Mice reject ethanol as a fluid source to quench Ang II-induced thirst, preferring water.
- Taste aversion and postingestional metabolic effects likely contribute to the rejection of ethanol for thirst satisfaction.