Effects of estradiol valerate on voluntary alcohol consumption, β-endorphin content and neuronal population in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus

Proopiomelanocortin Peptides Are Not Essential for Development of Ethanol‐Induced Behavioral Sensitization

“…Lesion studies using either monosodium glutamate (MSG) or estradiol valerate (EV) to ablate arcuate neurons showed a lack of ethanol‐induced locomotor acute stimulation (Miquel et al., 2003; Sanchis‐Segura and Aragon, 2002; Sanchis‐Segura et al., 2000) and sensitization (Miquel et al., 2003). However, other studies using EV to ablate POMC neurons in the arcuate show a decrease in the number of β‐END containing neurons with no significant change in β‐END levels (Juárez et al., 2006; Marinelli et al., 2003), suggesting that compensation may occur using this methodology. In addition, the specificity of the MSG and EV for POMC neurons in the arcuate, and the effect on the endogenous levels of other POMC peptides such α‐MSH has not been established.…”

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2009

“…Female, but not male mice lacking prepro-DYN show lower preferences and consumption of alcohol, but not changes in ethanol-induced loss of righting reflexes, ethanol withdrawal, ethanol-induced CPP or conditioned taste aversions to ethanol (106). Estradiol valerate increased alcohol intake, decreased body weight and food intake, and reduced the number, but not content of arcuate BEND neurons (537). Losers in a social defeat test consumed more ethanol than winners, and thereby displayed lower anxiety levels.…”