Effects of the 5-HT receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, on ethanol preference in the rat.
Clinical and animal studies have suggested that consumption of ethanol is influenced by the central serotonergic (5-HT) transmission system. In the present study this hypothesis was tested by observing the effects of a selective 5-HT receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, on ethanol preference in the rat. The rats had access to a 6% (v/v) ethanol solution and water during baseline and treatment periods. Based on the baseline recordings, 2 groups of rats were formed: A high preference group (ethanol intake greater than 50% of total fluid intake) and a low preference group (ethanol intake less than 30%). Both groups were treated SC with 0.125 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT twice daily for 3 days. The treatment caused a significant reduction of ethanol consumption in the high preference group, but no change in the low preference group. The findings support the hypothesis that activation of the 5-HT system reduces ethanol intake. This effect was restricted to the high preferring rats, suggesting that 8-OH-DPAT interferes only with the positive reinforcing effect of ethanol.
Svensson
L
L
Department of Psychology, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Engel
J
J
Hård
E
E
D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D004326:Drinking / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes / Q000494:pharmacology*
D009281:Naphthalenes; D013764:Tetrahydronaphthalenes; D017371:8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin