Research article summary (published 17 Oct 2006):

Ethanol self-administration and reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior in Per1(Brdm1) mutant mice.

Full Abstract

RATIONALE:
Alcohol consumption shows circadian rhythmicity, i.e., alcohol preference and intake change with circadian time. Circadian rhythmicity is controlled by a biological clock, which has been shown to govern behavioral, physiological, and hormonal processes in synchronization with internal as well as external cues. Molecular components of the clock include circadian clock genes such as period (Per) 1, 2, and 3. Previously, our lab demonstrated the involvement of mouse Per1 (mPer1) and Per2 (mPer2) in modulating cocaine sensitization and reward. What is more, we investigated voluntary alcohol consumption in Per2 ( Brdm1 ) mice with the results suggesting a relationship between this circadian clock gene and ethanol consumption. Objective To further complement the mPer2 study, our lab proceeded to assess mPer1's possible role on alcohol intake using operant and free choice two bottle paradigms.

METHODS:
Using operant conditions, Per1 ( Brdm1 ) and wild type mice were trained to self-administer ethanol (10%) under a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) paradigm. This was ensued by a progressive ratio (PR) schedule. Furthermore, extinction sessions were introduced, followed by reinstatement measures of ethanol-seeking behavior. In another set of animals, the mice were exposed to voluntary long-term alcohol consumption, ensued by a 2-month deprivation phase, after which the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) was measured.

RESULTS:
Mutant mice did not display a significantly divergent number of reinforced lever presses (FR1 and PR) than wild type animals. Furthermore, no significant differences between groups were obtained regarding reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior. Similar results were obtained in the two bottle free choice paradigm. Specifically, no genotype differences concerning consumption and preference were observed over a broad range of different ethanol concentrations. Moreover, after the deprivation phase, both groups exhibited significant ADEs, yet no genotype differences.

CONCLUSIONS:
Contrary to the mPer2 data, the present findings do not suggest a relationship between the circadian clock gene mPer1 and ethanol reinforcement, seeking, and relapse behavior.

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Author information

Author/s: Zghoul, Tarek (T); Abarca, Carolina (C); Sanchis-Segura, Carles (C); Albrecht, Urs (U); Schumann, Gunter (G); Spanagel, Rainer (R);

Affiliation: Department of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany. tarek.zghoul(-atsign-)googlemail.com

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Psychopharmacology (Psychopharmacology (Berl)), published in Germany. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Jan; vol 190 (issue 1) : pp 13-9

Dates: Created 2006/11/30; Completed 2007/04/03;

PMID: 17051414, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Alcohol Drinking - genetics Alcoholism - genetics Animals Cell Cycle Proteins - genetics Choice Behavior - physiology Circadian Rhythm - genetics Conditioning, Operant - physiology Crosses, Genetic Cues Extinction, Psychological - physiology

Heterozygote Male Mice Mice, Inbred C57BL Mice, Mutant Strains Motivation Nuclear Proteins - genetics Self Administration Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - genetics Transcription Factors - genetics

Associated Chemicals: Cell Cycle Proteins (0) ; Nuclear Proteins (0) ; Per1 protein, mouse (0) ; Per2 protein, mouse (0) ; Transcription Factors (0)

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