Abstract
Acetaldehyde (ACD) is the first metabolite of ethanol. Although, the role of ACD in ethanol addiction has been controversial, there are data showing a relationship. The objective of the current study was to further test the hypothesis that ACD itself is reinforcing. For this reason, we carried out a study on operant oral ACD self-administration. Wistar rats were trained to self-administer tap water or ACD by nose-poking in daily 30 min sessions for 15 consecutive days. Response on active nose-poke caused delivery of ACD solution or tap water, whereas responses on inactive nose-poke had no consequences. The results show that ACD maintains oral self-administration behavior and rates of active nose-pokes significantly higher than tap water. The dose–response plot for oral ACD self-administration is a “bell-shaped” curve suggesting reinforcing properties only in a limited range of doses. Furthermore, rats self-administering ACD show a deprivation effect upon ACD removal and gradually reinstated active nose-poke response when ACD was reintroduced. Overall, this study shows that ACD is orally self-administered and further supports the hypothesis that ACD possesses reinforcing properties, which suggests that some of the pharmacological effects attributed to ethanol may result from its biotransformation into ACD, thereby supporting an active involvement of ACD in ethanol addiction.
Highlights
Well known for its toxicity (Novartis Foundation, 2007), acetaldehyde (ACD) is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe compound (FDA, 2008)
Response on active nose-poke caused delivery of ACD solution or tap water, whereas responses on inactive nose-poke had no consequences.The results show that ACD maintains oral self-administration behavior and rates of active nose-pokes significantly higher than tap water
This study shows that ACD is orally self-administered and further supports the hypothesis that ACD possesses reinforcing properties, which suggests that some of the pharmacological effects attributed to ethanol may result from its biotransformation into ACD, thereby supporting an active involvement of ACD in ethanol addiction
Summary
Well known for its toxicity (Novartis Foundation, 2007), acetaldehyde (ACD) is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe compound (FDA, 2008). ACD is present in alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, sake, and whiskey and in very small amounts in some fermented foods (Liu and Pilone, 2000; Novartis Foundation, 2007; Talhout et al, 2007). Vinci et al (2010) reported that ACD elicits extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in the rat Nacc and extended amygdala (Vinci et al, 2010). Overall, these evidences contribute to the suggestion that ACD is a compound with intrinsic motivational and rewarding effects
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