ATTENUATION OF ETHANOL INTAKE BY 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE UPTAKE BLOCKADE IN LABORATORY RATS .1. INVOLVEMENT OF BRAIN 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE IN THE MEDIATION OF THE POSITIVE REINFORCING PROPERTIES OF ETHANOL

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 241  (2) , 245-259
Abstract
The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake blockade in the mediation of the positive reinforcing properties of ethanol in male Wistar rats was studied. Treatment with zimelidine (H102/09), a 5-HT uptake inhibitor, specifically attenuated ethanol consumption. In an attempt to extinguish the ethanol drinking response, ethanol-preferring animals in a 2nd experiment were provided with ethanol as the only source of fluid in combination with zimelidine treatment. Animals treated in such a manner subsequently reduced their ethanol consumption when presented with a free choice between ethanol and water. These results were attributed to an increased availability of central 5-HT; apparently central 5-HT mechanisms may be involved in some way in the mediation of the positive reinforcing properties of ethanol.

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