Isolation and striatal (3H) serotonin uptake: Role in the voluntary intake of ethanol by rats

Abstract Ethanol preferring rats were selected and showed a constant voluntary intake of a 12 percent ethanol solution during 14 days (about 5 g/kg body weight daily). Analysis of 3 H serotonin uptake by striatal synaptosomes showed that steady state 3 H serotonin synaptosomal levels were lower in alcohol preferring rats. Grouping these rats (5 per cage) reduced both voluntary intake of ethanol and synaptosomal 3 H serotonin uptake. Furthermore, blocking the serotonin uptake by clomipramine 5 mg·kg −1 or 10 mg·kg −1 also reduces voluntary intake of ethanol. These data are in agreement with the hypothesis of a modulation of the voluntary intake of ethanol both by chemical and housing stimulation of striatal receptors for serotonin.