Ethanol intakes and preferences in the desalivate rat

Abstract

Desalivate and control rats were tested for ethanol versus water preference (5%, 10% and 20% (v/v) ethanol solutions). Each concentration of ethanol was presented for six days in an ascending, descending, or mixed presentation schedule. Following preference tests, intakes of first 10% (15 days), then 5% (15 days), and finally 10% (5 days) ethanol as the only available fluid were determined. Blood ethanol concentrations were measured (22:00 hr, 24:00 hr, 02:00 hr) during the final 10% ethanol intake test. Desalivate and control rats showed similar aversions to ethanol at all concentrations with relative ethanol intake being a negative function of concentration. During ethanol and water intake tests, desalivates drank significantly greater amounts (ml/100 g body weight) of all drinking fluids than controls. However, for both groups intake of 10% ethanol was reduced significantly from water baseline levels. Although desalivates consumed as much ethanol as controls, their blood ethanol concentrations at all times tested were slightly lower than controls. During the ethanol intake test desalivate rats lost body weight, while control rats gained body weight.