Tacr1 gene variation and neurokinin 1 receptor expression is associated with antagonist efficacy in genetically selected alcohol-preferring rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genetic deletion or antagonism of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) decreases alcohol intake, alcohol reward, and stress-induced alcohol relapse in rodents, while TACR1 variation is associated with alcoholism in humans.

Methods

We used L822429, a specific antagonist with high affinity for the rat NK1R, and examined whether sensitivity to NK1R blockade is altered in alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Operant alcohol self-administration and progressive ratio responding were analyzed in P-rats and their founder Wistar line. We also analyzed Tacr1 expression and binding and sequenced the Tacr1 promoter from both lines.

Results

Systemic L822429 decreased alcohol self-administration in P-rats but did not affect the lower rates of alcohol self-administration in Wistar ra

SUBMITTER: Schank JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3773538 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature