Lack of association between preference for and dependence on ethanol.
Tests were performed on 60 HS mice to determine preference for ethanol before and after a period of forced ethanol ingestion via a liquid diet treatment. Seizure scores measured 4, 5 and 6 h after the end of the liquid diet treatment showed that moderate degrees of physical dependence had developed. Statistical analyses revealed a significant sex difference only for the amount of ethanol consumed during the liquid diet treatment, with females drinking more than males (on a g/kg basis). Correlation analyses indicated that preference for ethanol was not related to seizure severity or to amount consumed during the liquid diet treatment. A significant drop in preference after ethanol withdrawal was observed when pre- and post-withdrawal preference ratios were compared. These findings are discussed in the context of the usefulness of preference for ethanol as a predictor of alcoholism.
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D002755:Choice Behavior; D000431:Ethanol; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology
D000431:Ethanol