Cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716A decreases operant ethanol self administration in rats exposed to ethanol-vapor chambers.

AIM To study the potential role of dependence status on CB1-mediated blockade of ethanol self-administration. METHODS We examined the effects of the cannabinoid antagonist SR141716A (0, 0.03, 0.3, and 3 mg/kg) on operant ethanol (10% v/v) self-administration in male Wistar rats that were made ethanol-dependent by chronic (14 d) exposure to ethanol vapor-chambers or exposed to air in identical vapor chambers. RESULTS Dependent animals responded more for ethanol than did air control nondependent rats. The acute administration of a 3 mg/kg dose of SR141716A almost suppressed ethanol self-administration only in ethanol dependent animals. However, operant responses for food were not affected by the administration of SR141716A. CONCLUSION These results further support that cannabinoid CB1 receptor blockade may have a potential utility for the treatment of alcoholism.