Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis attenuates alcohol consumption in two strains of alcohol-preferring rats.

The effect of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on voluntary alcohol consumption was examined in two different strains of alcohol-preferring rats, in a continuous-access, two-bottle-choice paradigm. Compared with the vehicle, intraperitoneal injections of L-NAME significantly and dose-dependently (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg) suppressed alcohol intake and preference in both alcohol-preferring (P) and Fawn-Hooded (FH) rats. The effect of the highest dose of L-NAME was nonspecific; it caused general decreases in consumption of alcohol, water, and food. Repeated injection of L-NAME (30 mg/kg) for 4 consecutive days significantly attenuated alcohol intake, but tolerance developed after 3 days of treatment. A single administration of a high dose of L-NAME (60 mg/kg) did not influence the blood alcohol concentrations, which suggests a possible central effect. Furthermore, a moderate dose of 30 mg/kg L-NAME, which selectively inhibited alcohol intake, did not exert a significant effect on telemetrically measured heart rate, core body temperature, and gross motor activity of alcohol naive Fawn-Hooded rats. These results suggest an involvement of nitric oxide in alcohol drinking behavior. Although the true mechanism(s) of action is not yet clear, it can be speculated that L-NAME may exert its action indirectly by modulating neurotransmitters proposed to be involved in alcohol drinking and/or by influencing other neuronal factors, such as neuronal Ca2+ channels, which have been shown to be involved in alcohol drinking behavior.