Abstract
Research from our laboratory has shown that several specific serotonin uptake blockers (zimeldine, fluoxetine, sertraline) are effective in reducing voluntary ethanol consumption in rats. However, the mechanism of action of these drugs is not well understood. The series of experiments presented here examined whether zimeldine produces its effects on ethanol consumption via a serotonin mediated anorexic action. In addition the effects of chronic administration of zimeldine were examined in rats drinking a dextrose solution, as well as in ethanol-consuming animals following 5-HT depletion with p-chloroamphetamine. The results indicate that zimeldine reduces the consumption of ethanol, dextrose and saccharin solutions. However, these effects on fluid consumption are not blocked by prior serotonin depletion. The results are discussed in terms of serotonin's role in this process in general and the possibility that zimeldine's effects are not directly related to its capacity to block the reuptake of serotonin.
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