Infusions of acetaldehyde into the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus induce motor activity in rats
Abstract
The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH) is one of the brain regions with the highest levels of catalase expression. Acetaldehyde, metabolized from ethanol in the CNS through the actions of catalase, has a role in the behavioral effects observed after ethanol administration. In previous studies acetaldehyde injected in the lateral ventricles or in the substantia nigra reticulata (SNR) mimicked the behavioral stimulant effects of centrally administered ethanol. In the present study we assessed the effects of acetaldehyde administered either into the ARH into a dorsal control or into the third ventricle on locomotion and rearing observed in 30 min sessions in an open field. Acetaldehyde injected into the ARH induced horizontal locomotion and rearing for 20 min. In contrast, administration of acetaldehyde into a control site dorsal to the ARH did not have any effect on locomotion. Although acetaldehyde administration into the third ventricle also induced locomotion, the time course for the effect in this area was different from the time course following ARH injections. Acetaldehyde in the ARH produced a long lasting induction of locomotion, while with intraventricular injections the effects disappeared after 5 min. The present resul...Continue Reading
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The role of acetaldehyde in ethanol reinforcement assessed by Pavlovian conditioning in newborn rats
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