Alcohol dependence induced in rats by semivoluntary intermittent intake

The objetive of the present experiment was to assess ethyl alcohol (ETOH) dependence brought about by a semivoluntary intermittent intake regimen in rats. Male Wistar rats weighing 150-250 g at the onset of the experiment were assigned to the following groups: 0 percent ETOH (N = 11), 5 percent ETOH (N = 20), 20 percent ETOH (N = 20) and 40 percent ETOH (N = 18). ETOH solutions were offered at the end of the day and overnight from Monday to Friday, and throughout weekends, for 90 days. The concentration of the ETOH solutions was increased in a stepwise fashion allowing the rats to get used to the taste of alcohol. Reposition of pure water was permitted during 1-h water drinking periods in the morning. Daily volume intake (+ SEM) averaged 25.4 + 0.4 ml (0 percent ETOH), 23.8 + 0.6 ml (5 percent ETOH), 17.6 + 0.7 ml (20 percent ETOH) and 17.5 + 0.6 ml (40 percent ETOH). ETOH consumption differed significantly (P<0.05) among groups, averaging 4.4 + 0.2 g Kg(-1) day(-1) (5 percent ETOH), 10.3 + 0.3 g Kg(-1) day(-1) (20 percent ETOH) and 26 + 1.2 g kg(-1) day(-1) (40 percent ETOH). Furthermore, ETOH detection in plasma 10-12h after offering the solution indicated that its consumption in the 40 percent ETOH group was sufficient to override its metabolism. Overt signs of ETOH dependence, such as increased thirst, hyperactivity, puffing, hair ruffling and startle responsiveness as well as reduced drowsiness, were significantly increased in the 20 percent and 40 percent ETOH groups compared to the 0 percent and 5 percent groups. Accordingly, the model described here proved to be a useful tool for the evaluation of subtle or moderate behavioral and physical consequences of long-term ETOH intake.

Efeitos da administração crônica do álcool sobre os mecanismos neurais de regulação da pressão arterial / Effect of Chronic Administration of Alcohol and its Withdrawal on the Neural Mechanisms of Arterial Blood Pressure Regulation

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of alcohol and its withdrawal on arterial baroreflex (BR) and cardiopulmonary reflex (CPR). METHODS: Male Wistar rats (150-250g) distributed in three groups (10-19 animals in each): ETOH 0, ETOH 5and ETOH 20, received alcohol solution at the end of the day and at night over the week, and all day and night at the weekends for a 90 day period. The BR function was assessed analyzing the bradycardic response to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction and tachycardic response to sodium nitroprusside-induced vasodilatation. The CPR was evaluated through the simultaneous bradycardic and hypotensive responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The tests were performed in conscious animals in conditions of alcohol intake or 48h alcohol withdrawal. RESULTS: The nonwithdrawn animals of ETOH 5group showed significative decrease of mean arterial pressure compared to ETOH 0and an increase of heart rate compared to ETOH 0and 20groups. The sensitivity (gain) of baroreceptor reflex was significantly attenuated in ETOH 5withdrawn animals and in ETOH 5and 20animals nonwithdrawn. This was mainly due to the reduction of range of the baroreflex and changes in the bradycardia and tachycardia plateau. The nonwithdrawn ETOH 5group showed a higher effect of 5-HT (around 50) on the fall of diastolic arterial pressure. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that alcohol intake produced significant alterations in the neural mechanisms of cardiovascular regulation that could result in a dysfunction of blood pressure regulation.