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- Title
Influence of β-Endorphin on anxious behavior in mice: interaction with EtOH.
- Authors
Grisel, Judith; Bartels, Jessica; Allen, Stephani; Turgeon, Victoria
- Abstract
The opioid peptide β-endorphin (β-E) is synthesized by the pro-opiomelanocortin gene in response to environmental stressors and alcohol administration and is implicated in the behavioral sequelae associated with these stimuli. We sought to determine the influence of β-E on the stress response by evaluating basal measures of anxiety as well as on EtOH-induced anxiolytic behavior using transgenic mice that differ with respect to β-E. Anxious behavior was evaluated for male and female heterozygous, wild-type, and β-E knockout mice using the Light–Dark Box and Plus Maze assays. Subsequent tests evaluated behavior 20 min after administration of intraperitoneal saline or EtOH (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/kg). We observed a direct relationship between β-E levels and the percentage of entries into open arms of the Plus Maze as well as the time spent in either the open arms or the light compartment of the Light–Dark box during basal conditions, suggesting that this peptide normally inhibits anxious behavior. However, mice lacking β-E demonstrated an exaggerated anxiolytic response to EtOH in these assays. These data suggest that β-E moderates the response to stressful stimuli and supports the hypothesis that this peptide influences the behavioral effects of EtOH.
- Subjects
ADDICTIONS; MICE; ENDORPHINS; ENDORPHIN antagonists; ENDORPHIN receptors; ALCOHOL
- Publication
Psychopharmacology, 2008, Vol 200, Issue 1, p105
- ISSN
0033-3158
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00213-008-1161-4