Oxytocin blocks compulsive-like alcohol drinking in rats

We hypothesized that brain signaling by the neuropeptide oxytocin, known to be involved in both stress and reward function, contributes to compulsive alcohol drinking. To test our hypothesis, we used a preclinical model of alcohol dependence that reliably produces somatic and motivational signs of dependence. Wistar rats were trained to lever press for access to alcohol and then either made alcohol dependent (via repeated cycles of alcohol vapor exposure and withdrawal) or exposed to air to provide a nondependent control group.

Source: Alcohol - May 1, 2017 Category: Addiction Authors: Brendan Tunstall Source Type: research