Effects of environmental manipulations on ethanol-related behaviors: involvement of the stress circuitry.

Author(s)

Mariana Beu Rae

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2014-04-23

Examining board members

Rosana Camarini; Carolina Demarchi Munhoz; Jair Guilherme dos Santos Junior

• Advisor: Rosana Camarini

Abstract

Environmental enrichment (EE) presents positive effects upon alcohol addiction and its possible that EE acts as a mild stressor, which would help animal cope better with future stressful situations. Mice were separated in three groups: control (CO), EE and stress (ST). We studied the effects of EE and ST on anxiety-like behavior, episodic memory, conditioned place preference (CPP) to ethanol, corticosterone and quantity of oxytocin receptor. EE decreased the latency to enter the open arm, suggesting an anxiolytic effect, unlike ST. Memory did not differ between groups and EE demonstrated a higher preference to ethanol compared to CO. Corticosterone levels didnt differ among groups. Autoradiography showed decreased binding of OT in the olfactory nuclei and frontal cortex of EE animals and enhanced binding of OT in the amygdala of ST animals compared to CO, suggesting higher pro-social behavior and higher anxiety-like behavior, respectively. We conclude that the environment is capable of affecting important brain circuitries involved in stress and drug addiction. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/09854-0 - Effects of environmental enrichment on ethanol induced behaviors in Swiss mice: role of stress circuitry
• Grantee: Mariana Beu Rae
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master