Ethanol-related behaviors in mice lacking the sigma-1 receptor.
Behav Brain Res
; 297: 196-203, 2016 Jan 15.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26462569
ABSTRACT
RATIONALE The Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is a chaperone protein that has been implicated in drug abuse and addiction. Multiple studies have characterized the role the Sig-1R plays in psychostimulant addiction; however, fewer studies have specifically investigated its role in alcohol addiction. We have previously shown that antagonism of the Sig-1R reduces excessive drinking and motivation to drink, whereas agonism induces binge-like drinking in rodents. OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of these studies were to investigate the impact of Sig-1R gene deletion in C57Bl/6J mice on ethanol drinking and other ethanol-related behaviors.METHODS:
We used an extensive panel of behavioral tests to examine ethanol actions in male, adult mice lacking Oprs1, the gene encoding the Sig-1R. To compare ethanol drinking behavior, Sig-1 knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice were subject to a two-bottle choice, continuous access paradigm with different concentrations of ethanol (3-20% v/v) vs. water. Consumption of sweet and bitter solutions was also assessed in Sig-1R KO and WT mice. Finally, motor stimulant sensitivity, taste aversion and ataxic effects of ethanol were assessed.RESULTS:
Sig-1R KO mice displayed higher ethanol intake compared to WT mice; the two genotypes did not differ in their sweet or bitter taste perception. Sig-1R KO mice showed lower sensitivity to ethanol stimulant effects, but greater sensitivity to its taste aversive effects. Ethanol-induced sedation was instead unaltered in the mutants.CONCLUSIONS:
Our results prove that the deletion of the Sig-1R increases ethanol consumption, likely by decreasing its rewarding effects, and therefore indicating that the Sig-1R is involved in modulation of the reinforcing effects of alcohol.Palavras-chave
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas
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Depressores do Sistema Nervoso Central
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Receptores sigma
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Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Álcool
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Etanol
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2016
Tipo de documento:
Article