The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the regulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde self-administration

1. Laboratory rats were presented with ethanol and water in a free-choice paradigm to determine each animal's preference for ethanol.

2. Following a three week ethanol free period, it was observed that the duration of gamma-butyrolactone induced loss of righting reflex was negatively correlated to voluntary ethanol intake.

3. It was also observed that the rate of intracerebroventricular self-administration of acetaldehyde was positively correlated with the latency to gamma-butyrolactone induced loss of righting reflex.

4. These findings indicate that high ethanol drinking rats and high acetaldehyde self-administrating rats are less sensitive to the sedative action of gamma-butyrolactone.