Event Title
Effects of Chronic Footshock Exposure on Alcohol Self-Administration Following Abstinence: A Novel Model of Stress-Induced Alcohol Relapse
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Biopsychology, Psychology
Mentor Information
Glenn Valdez
Department
Psychology
Location
Kirkhof Center KC44
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Health, Life Science, Social Science
Abstract
The brain kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system, which is thought to regulate negative mood states, has recently been linked to stress-related effects of alcohol. The current project sought to develop a novel model of stress-induced alcohol consumption, and to examine the role of the KOR system in increased alcohol drinking. Rats were trained to self-administer alcohol, and were then exposed to daily 10 min sessions of footshock during a two-week period of abstinence. Afterwards, rats were allowed to self-administer alcohol to determine the ability of stress exposure to increase drinking. The ability of the KOR antagonist nor-BNI to block increases in intake was also assessed. Examining the effects of stress on alcohol consumption, and its underlying biology, is important because alcoholics often report stressful life events as a major factor in relapse. Development of this model may provide valuable information regarding the biological mechanisms underlying alcohol relapse.
Effects of Chronic Footshock Exposure on Alcohol Self-Administration Following Abstinence: A Novel Model of Stress-Induced Alcohol Relapse
Kirkhof Center KC44
The brain kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system, which is thought to regulate negative mood states, has recently been linked to stress-related effects of alcohol. The current project sought to develop a novel model of stress-induced alcohol consumption, and to examine the role of the KOR system in increased alcohol drinking. Rats were trained to self-administer alcohol, and were then exposed to daily 10 min sessions of footshock during a two-week period of abstinence. Afterwards, rats were allowed to self-administer alcohol to determine the ability of stress exposure to increase drinking. The ability of the KOR antagonist nor-BNI to block increases in intake was also assessed. Examining the effects of stress on alcohol consumption, and its underlying biology, is important because alcoholics often report stressful life events as a major factor in relapse. Development of this model may provide valuable information regarding the biological mechanisms underlying alcohol relapse.