The cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR 141716 prevents acquisition of drinking behavior in alcohol-preferring rats

The cannabinoid CB, receptor antagonist, N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-3-pyrazole-carboxamide) (SR 141716); 0.3-3 mg/kg, i.p,, twice daily for 10 days), prevented the acquisition of alcohol drinking behavior in rats genetically selected for alcohol preference (Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats), having the free choice between alcohol (10%, v/v) and water. The results suggest that activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors is essential for the acquisition of alcohol drinking behavior in animals with a genetically determined alcohol preference. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.