An Analysis of Factors Influencing Alcohol Consumption of Alcoholic Rats.
Abstract
Evidence is presented that stress is not a factor that is directly involved in the alcohol consumption of rats, whether the stress was from shock or coping behavior. Two methods are described of producing physical dependence in rats, one to alcohol and the second to phenobarbital. Physical dependence upon alcohol was established in rats by housing them in activity wheels and feeding them, ad lib, a liquid diet in which 35% of the calories were from ethanol. Physical dependence was established in rats to phenobarbital within six days by adulterating their dry powdered lab chow with 2.5 mg/gm of phenobarbital. With both methods physical dependence was evidenced by the occurrance of withdrawal seizures. Finally, experiments show that the motivation for food, and the bar selection to obtain a food reward, becomes state dependent. The possibility that addicting drugs assume motivational control of behavior, by assuming control of the animals normal central excitatory states that normally control the animals' motivated behavior is discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA013503
Entities
People
- Harold C. Nielson
Organizations
- University of Utah