The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the regulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde self-administration.
Laboratory rats were presented with ethanol and water in a free-choice paradigm to determine each animal's preference for ethanol. Following a three week ethanol free period, it was observed that the duration of gamma-butyrolactone induced loss of righting reflex was negatively correlated to voluntary ethanol intake. It was also observed that the rate of intracerebroventricular self-administration of acetaldehyde was positively correlated with the latency to gamma-butyrolactone induced loss of righting reflex. These findings indicate that high ethanol drinking rats and high acetaldehyde self-administrating rats are less sensitive to the sedative action of gamma-butyrolactone.
D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000494:pharmacology; D000079:Acetaldehyde / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D012646:Self Administration; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology*
D000431:Ethanol; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000079:Acetaldehyde; D015107:4-Butyrolactone