DOI: 10.5176/2251-1865_CBP81
Authors: Ganaraja Bolumbu, Santhosh Maynnavar, Keerthi Aithal and Rashmi KS
Abstract: Background: Nucleus Accumbens is an important centre involved in reward and addictive functions. In the present study we tested the alcohol intake following lesions of nucleus accumbens bilaterally in Wistar rats.
Materials and methods: Wistar albino male rats were maintained in standard laboratory conditions. Two separate groups were subjected to sham lesion and bilateral lesion of Nucleus accumbens. The consumption of water, alcohol and food were recorded daily and their body weight was noted weekly, for one week before lesion and 3 weeks following lesion. In another set, two bottle choice test was given between 10{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} alcohol and potable water, rest of the procedures were maintained same as for the other set.
Results: The lesioned rats showed increase in intake of alcohol (p<0.01). There was no significant change in food intake or body weight. In two bottle free choice test, the rats consumed increased volume of fluid. There was highly increased water intake (p<0.001). There was no significant change in their alcohol intake. The increase in water intake was significantly more than the increase seen in the alcohol intake in the group provided only alcohol.
Conclusion: Large lesions in Nucleus accumbens increased water intake in two bottle choice suggesting increased thirst. The alcohol intake increases only when there is no water provided. Role of Nucleus accumbens on the addictive behaviour could involve other circuitry which needs further investigation.
Keywords: Nucleus accumbens, alcohol consumption, water intake
Updating...