Increased ethanol consumption and preference in mice lacking neurotensin receptor type 2. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011 Jan;35(1):99-107
Date
11/03/2010Pubmed ID
21039631Pubmed Central ID
PMC3058519DOI
10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01326.xScopus ID
2-s2.0-78650412904 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 28 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Neurotensin receptors (NTS) regulate a variety of the biological functions of neurotensin (NT) in the central nervous system. Although NT and neurotensin receptors type 1 (NTS1) are implicated in some of the behavioral effects of ethanol, the functional roles of neurotensin receptors type 2 (NTS2) in ethanol intoxication and consumption remain unknown. Here, we investigated behavioral effects mediated by NTS2 in response to ethanol, which are implicated in ethanol consumption and preference, using NTS2 null mice.
METHOD: First, we examined ethanol-induced locomotion, ataxia, hypnosis, and hypothermia in NTS2 null mice. Next, we measured ethanol consumption and preference in NTS2 null mice by giving them free choice between ethanol- and tap water-containing bottles. Then using a brain-permeable NT analog, NT69L, we examined the role of NTS2 in locomotor activity and ataxia. Finally, we examined the effect of NT69L on ethanol consumption and preference in NTS2 null mice.
RESULTS: We found that NTS2 null mice appear less sensitive to the acute hypnotic effects of ethanol and consumed more ethanol compared to wild-type littermates in a 2-bottle choice experiment, even though ethanol-induced locomotion, ataxia, and hypothermia were similar between genotypes. Interestingly, the administration of NT69L for 4 consecutive days significantly reduced alcohol consumption and preference in wild-type littermates as well as in NTS2 null mice.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that NTS2 regulates ethanol-induced hypnosis and ethanol consumption.
Author List
Lee MR, Hinton DJ, Unal SS, Richelson E, Choi DSAuthor
Ryan M. Lee MD Instructor in the Neurology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Alcohol DrinkingAnimals
Body Temperature
Ethanol
Male
Mice
Mice, Inbred C57BL
Mice, Knockout
Motor Activity
Neurotensin
Peptide Fragments
Receptors, Neurotensin
Taste Perception
