The role of arginine vasopressin in the development of tolerance to ethanol in normal and Brattleboro rats

The acute intoxicating effects of ethanol are not dependent on the vasopressin 1a or 1b receptors

Studies of the role of vasopressin (Avp) in mediating the effects of ethanol have focused on Avp's role in altering kidney function via its action through the vasopressin 2 receptor. However, alcohol consumption also has central effects that are poorly understood. There is evidence that Avp may mediate ethanol consumption as well as some of ethanol's behavioral effects. Centrally only two Avp receptor subtypes are expressed: the 1a receptor (Avpr1a) and the 1b receptor (Avpr1b). To determine the extent to which these receptors mediate the behavioral effects of alcohol, we used mice with targeted disruptions of either their Avpr1a or Avpr1b gene. We examined the effects of genotype on the acute intoxicating effects of ethanol as well as on voluntary ethanol consumption. Surprisingly, our findings indicate that there is no interaction between either the Avpr1a or Avpr1b and ethanol on motor coordination, hypothermia, mood, or voluntary ethanol consumption.

CNS effects of peptides: a cross-listing of peptides and their central actions published in the journal Peptides, 1986-1993

The centrally mediated effects of peptides as published in the journal Peptides from 1986 to 1993 are tabulated in two ways. In one table, the peptides are listed alphabetically. In another table, the effects are arranged alphabetically. Most of the effects observed after administration of peptides are grouped, wherever possible, into categories such as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal. The species used in most cases has been rats; where other animals were used, the species is noted. The route of administration of peptides and source of information also are included in the tables, with a complete listing provided at the end. Many peptides have been shown to exert a large number of centrally mediated effects.

Nicotine interactions with ethanol tolerance

Nicotine (N) administration (0.05 mg/kg SC) was paired with ethanol (E, 2.5 g/kg, 15% v/v, IP) to determine if N alters either the acquisition of extinction of tolerance to the hypothermic and sedative effects of E. During tolerance acquisition the following groups were tested: E + N (N = 16), E + NaCl vehicle (V) (N = 16), V + N (N = 4) and V + V (N = 4). For 11 days a colonic temperature was taken, both drugs were injected and the rats were tested for locomotor activity for 45 min, after which a final colonic temperature was taken. N significantly enhanced the rate of tolerance development to the hypothermic effects of E and blocked a degree of the sedative effects. On Days 12 to 17 rats in all groups received V injections to extinguish tolerance. On Days 18 to 24 rats in the E + N group were tested with either E + N or E + V and rats in the E + V group were similarly divided. Previous treatment with N significantly attenuated the extinction process which in turn enhanced the reacquisition of tolerance.