Ethanol and dextrose preferences in hamsters.

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Abstract
Hamsters were examined for their selection of ethanol over alternative solutions. In a 2-way choice experiment, 12 hamsters were given ethanol and water and 12 received dextrose and water. Ethanol concentrations increased daily, from 5-50% (vol/vol), in 5% increments; dextrose solutions were isocaloric to ethanol and ranged from 7.2-7.18%. The ethanol group consumed significantly more isocaloric solution, water and total fluid than did the dextrose group, but the percentage of total fluid taken as isocaloric solution did not differ between groups. In a 3-way choice between ethanol (increasing from 10-40%), isocaloric dextrose and water, there was a statistically significant interaction of fluid type with concentration: at lower concentrations (i.e., isocaloric to 10 and 20% ethanol) more dextrose was consumed, but at higher concentrations ethanol was preferred. The hamster''s usefulness as an animal model of alcoholism is discussed.