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Ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion in BXD recombinant inbred mice
1Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health Sciences University, 97201-3098, USA.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|October 2, 1998
Summary
Genetic factors influence how mice respond to alcohol
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Genetic variability in ethanol's effects influences alcohol-seeking behaviors and alcoholism.
- Understanding these genetic differences is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion in mice.
- To identify genetic correlations between taste aversion and other ethanol-related behaviors.
- To map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with taste aversion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 20 BXD/Ty recombinant inbred strains and progenitor strains (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J) of mice.
- Administered varying doses of ethanol to induce conditioned taste aversion to a saccharin solution.
- Performed correlational analyses and QTL mapping to identify genetic associations.
Main Results:
- Ethanol dose-dependently induced conditioned taste aversion.
- Significant genetic correlations were found between taste aversion and ethanol-induced hypothermia, ataxia, and withdrawal.
- QTLs associated with taste aversion were identified on nine chromosomes, near genes for acetylcholine, opioid, and serotonin receptors.
Conclusions:
- Multiple genes contribute to ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion.
- Some genes influence taste sensitivity, while others mediate responses to ethanol's pharmacological effects.
- Findings provide insights into the genetic architecture of alcohol aversion and its relation to reward pathways.
