Yokukansan-induced reduction of ethanol preference is associated with antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors

Abstract

BackgroundWe recently reported that alkaloids in Uncaria hook (a constituent of yokukansan) contribute to antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors. Many studies have reported that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists reduce alcohol preference. However, the effect of yokukansan on alcohol preference is not clear. PurposeThis study was performed to investigate the direct effect of yokukansan on alcohol preference and the effect of 5-HT3 receptors on the preference. Study designWe examined ethanol preference effected by yokukansan. Next, we analyzed the contribution of 5-HT3 receptors to the effect of yokukansan. MethodsEthanol preference was measured using the two-bottle preference test in mice fed with or without yokukansan diet. Next, the contribution of 5-HT3 receptors to ethanol preference was investigated using 5-HT3 receptor-deficient mice. ResultsReduction of ethanol preference by yokukansan was not observed using 5-HT3 receptor deficient mice. ConclusionYokukansan contributes to reduced ethanol preference and antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors is associated with the effect.