Delayed access to alcohol accelerates self-administration of alcohol on a progressive ratio schedule.
In a previous report, we found that a 5-min. delay in alcohol access increases ethanol intake in rats trained to self-administer 5% ethanol. To assess the effects of this delay on the motivation to self-administer ethanol, Wistar rats were trained on a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement and presented with the 5-min. delay. There was no change in break point (6 presses/delivery), active (125 presses/30 min.) or inactive (10 presses/30 min.) lever presses after the 5-min. delay compared to baseline. However, response cessation occurred 10 min. earlier in this delay session compared to baseline indicating that consumption was accelerated by delayed access to alcohol.
Pickering
Chris
C
Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Drug Dependence Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. chris.pickering@ki.se
Moreira
Tiago
T
Liljequist
Sture
S
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D000818:Animals; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D011930:Reaction Time; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule; D012646:Self Administration / Q000523:psychology
D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol