Abstract
PurposeRelapse to alcohol use is considered as one of the central features distinguishing dependence from controlled alcohol consumption. Relapse-like drinking in rodents is a transient episode of heavy drinking that follows a period of abstinence. This behaviour is called the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE). Not all animals develop behavioural changes that resemble relapse-like drinking behaviour. The purpose of our study was to develop a generalized quantitative criterion by which animals could be separated into two groups depending on their behaviour during a relapse-like situation (ADE vs. no-ADE).MethodsAn automated drinkometer system was used for data collection. This system measures fluid consumption by means of high-precision sensors attached to the drinking bottles in the home cage of the rat. We used a four bottle free choice paradigm with water 5, 10, and 20% ethanol solutions. For data analysis we developed a new measure of alcohol intake that quantifies net alcohol intake in relation to net consumption of water. This new measure is called water-penalized net ethanol intake.ResultsThe new measure is more robust than commonly used measurements, such as alcohol preference and intake. It allows the comparison of alcohol intake between different groups of animals and different setups using an arbitrary number of bottles. Based on this new measure we developed a method to automatically select the threshold for the presence of ADE in individual animals.ConclusionsSeparating animals by their behavior during relapse-like situation could be used as one of the criteria for identification of alcohol addicted and non-addicted rats. A classification into presenting ADE or not is also essential to test the effectiveness of newly developed therapeutic drugs.
Highlights
Even though a great number of people consume alcohol, only a few of them develop dependence
The new measure is more robust than commonly used measurements, such as alcohol preference and intake. It allows the comparison of alcohol intake between different groups of animals and different setups using an arbitrary number of bottles
Based on this new measure we developed a method to automatically select the threshold for the presence of alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) in individual animals
Summary
Even though a great number of people consume alcohol, only a few of them develop dependence. Depending on various modulating factors, such as genetic predisposition, provocative environmental experiences, pharmacological history and social context, controllable alcohol intake could become compulsive (Spanagel 2009). It is believed that dependence appears only in certain individuals because of their specific, innate or acquired, qualities, which define response to the drug and the likeliness in developing dependence (Piazza and Le Moal 1996). If an individual becomes addicted, relapse to alcohol use is considered as one of the central features distinguishing condition, namely excessive and uncontrolled drinking after a phase of abstinence. The alcohol deprivation model provides excellent face validity to relapse behaviour seen in alcoholics (Vengeliene et al 2014). Not all animals exhibit an alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) and only a smaller percentage develop compulsive drinking
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