Orexin-1 receptor antagonism decreases ethanol consumption and preference selectively in high-ethanol–preferring Sprague–Dawley ratsAlcohol Volume 43, Issue 5, August 2009, Pages 379-386
Work from our laboratory has shown that orexin (ORX; or hypocretin) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus are involved in preference for morphine, cocaine, and food. Other groups have demonstrated a connection between the ORX system and ethanol-related behaviors.
Here, we extended those results to investigate, in outbred Sprague–Dawley rats, the relationship between ethanol preference and the ORX system.
These results demonstrate a strong, causal relationship between the ORX system and ethanol preference in outbred rats. These findings provide additional evidence that the ORX system provides opportunities to develop novel treatments for alcohol abuse.
Request Reprint E-Mail: astong@musc.edu
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