Stress and Alcohol: The Role of Glucocorticoids in Stress-Escalated Ethanol Consumption in a Murine Model
Andrew, Peter M.
2016
- RationaleClinical and preclinical research has identified an association between stress and subsequent substance use. The signaling molecules of HPA axis have been considered critical mediators in this relationship. Glucocorticoids, in particular, have been investigated for their importance in ethanol consumption. ObjectivesThe current series of experiments investigates the role of glucocorticoids ... read morein social defeat stress-escalated voluntary ethanol drinking in CFW and C57BL/6J mice. MethodsCFW and C57BL/6J mice were mildly (15 bites) or moderately (30 bites) socially defeated for eight or ten consecutive days. After a 10-day recovery period, animals were allowed intermittent or continuous access to a two-bottle choice of water and ethanol. After 4 to 6 weeks of drinking, animals were pretreated with the 11-β hydroxylase inhibitor metyrapone 30 minutes prior to ethanol access, and drinking was assessed.ResultsSocial defeat escalated-drinking was observed in C57BL/6J animals exposed to continuous and intermittent access. Metyrapone dose-dependently suppressed ethanol drinking in both strains and access schedules for up to 24 hours. Metyrapone either enhanced or had no effect on water intake. ConclusionSocial defeat stress can escalate voluntary ethanol consumption in a murine model. Inhibition glucocorticoid synthesis dose-dependently suppresses ethanol consumption regardless of stress history.read less
- ID:
- rb68xq15s
- Component ID:
- tufts:sd.0000458
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
