Galanin knockout mice show disturbances in ethanol consumption and expression of hypothalamic peptides that stimulate ethanol intake.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is growing evidence suggesting that hypothalamic galanin (GAL), which is known to stimulate intake of a fat-rich diet, has a role in promoting the consumption of ethanol. The present study further examined this possibility in GAL knockout (GALKO) mice.

Methods

Two groups of female and male GALKO mice, compared to wild-type (WT) controls, were trained to voluntarily drink increasing concentrations of ethanol, while maintained on lab chow and water. They were examined in terms of their daily ethanol intake and preference, acute consumption of a high-fat diet, preference for flavored solutions, and expression of different peptides shown to stimulate ethanol intake.

Results

In the GALKO mice compared to WT, the results revealed: (i) a 35 to 45% decrease i

SUBMITTER: Karatayev O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2807920 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature