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Oral ethanol reinforced behavior in inbred mice

1986; Elsevier BV; Volume: 24; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0091-3057(86)90204-2

1873-5177

Gregory I. Elmer, Richard A. Meisch, Frank R. George,

Receptor Mechanisms and Signaling

The use of genetically defined animals in many areas of alcohol research provides valuable information about the contribution of genetic factors to ethanol-related behaviors. Utilizing the principles of operant conditioning, we determined whether mice which are known for high ethanol preference, C57BL/6J males, would orally self-administer this substance. Strategies used with other species were successful in inducing pharmacologically significant blood alcohol levels and in establishing ethanol as a reinforcer in this mouse strain. Responding for and consumption of 8% (w/v) ethanol exceeded baseline levels of responding for water. This species and method may prove useful in determining the genetic relationship among various ethanol-related behaviors and their mechanisms of action and in studies of behavior reinforced by drugs.