Effect of concurrent saccharin intake on ethanol consumption by high-alcohol-drinking (UChB) rats.
This study examined the effect of concurrent presentation of a highly palatable saccharin solution on ethanol consumption during the acquisition or maintenance of ethanol drinking by high-alcohol-drinking (UChB) rats. Rats were exposed to ethanol (10% v/v) and water under a home cage, two-bottle, free-choice regimen with unlimited access for 24 hours/day. After 7 days (acquisition) of ethanol exposure, a third bottle containing saccharin (0.2% w/v) was concomitantly offered for an additional seven consecutive days, and the same process was repeated after 3 months (maintenance) of ethanol exposure. We found that concurrent saccharin intake significantly reduced ethanol intake by UChB rats after 7 days of ethanol exposure indicating that preference for sweet taste tends to override the preference for ethanol. However, the concurrent saccharin presentation to rats after 3 months of stable ethanol consumption did not reduce ethanol intake, whereas their saccharin consumption reached polydipsic-like values. These results support the notion that in UChB rats, a time-dependent sensitization to the rewarding effects of ethanol is developed that may account for the increases in ethanol volition seen following chronic ethanol intake.
Tampier
Lutske
L
Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile. ltampier@med.uchile.cl
Quintanilla
Maria Elena
ME
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D000818:Animals; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D004326:Drinking; D005260:Female; D009042:Motivation; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012439:Saccharin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects*
D012439:Saccharin