Effect of Intranasal Administration of Degydroepiandrosterone on Emotional Status and Zoosocial Behavior of Rats Under Conditions of Prolong Alcoholization

Abstract

We have investigated the effect of the intranasal degydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment on the emotional status and zoosocial behavior of rats during ethanol withdrawal compared to the level of voluntary ethanol consumption and its preference at the 2-bottle test. It was shown that under conditions of renewal of alcohol access, the highest decrease in the intensity of its usage (by 75%), as compared to controls, was found in all experimental animals. Additionally, DHEA has promoted significant reduction (by 72%) in the pathological addiction to ethanol. These results, combined with the restoration of zoosocial relationships with the predominance of the socio-centric type, have reflected the normalizing effect of neurosteroids on the emotional behavior of the alcoholized animals, which suggest certain therapeutic potential of DHEA directed to a decrease in the level of ethanol addiction.