ISSN:
1573-3297
Keywords:
oral self-administration
;
operant behavior
;
C57BL/6J mice
;
BALB/cJ mice
;
alcohol
;
behavior genetics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Psychology
Notes:
Abstract By the use of operant conditioning procedures, we determined whether mice from two strains, C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ, differ in ethanol-reinforced behavior. To establish ethanol as a reinforcer, drinking was induced by feeding mice prior to the 30-min experimental session. Initially mice received water and then a series of increasing ethanol concentrations (1, 2, 4, and 8%, w/v) in response to a lever press. The volume of liquid consumed per unit of body weight remained relatively constant across concentrations, and thus the amount of ethanol consumed (g/kg) increased with increases in ethanol concentration. At all concentrations the C57BL/6J mice drank larger volumes than the BALB/cJ mice. After shifting the time of feeding from before to after the session, the consumption of 8% ethanol declined 56% for the C57B/6J mice and 81% for the BALB/cJ mice. To determine if ethanol was serving as a reinforcer, behavior and intake were then compared during ethanol and water availability. The ethanol consumption of the C57BL/6J mice markedly exceeded the water consumption and resulted in blood ethanol levels of 199 ±27 mg/dl. These levels significantly exceeded the 8% ethanol intake of the BALB/cJ mice, while 0% intake was low and not significantly different between strains. The 8% ethanol drinking of the BALB/cJ mice did not differ from their water drinking. Thus, ethanol was established as a positive reinforcer for C57BL/6J mice but not for BALB/cJ mice.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01073111
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