The effect of Hoe-427 (an ACTH4–9 analog) on free-choice ethanol consumption in male and female rats

Ethanol consummatory patterns of individual male and female rats and the effects of Hoe-427 (Ebiratide), an ACTH4–9 analog, thereon, were studied in a test system using 24 hour, two-bottle free choice consumption between 0.2% saccharin and 10% ethanol in 0.2% saccharin. Single, daily i.p. doses (0.03mg/rat) of either ACTH4–10 or its analog resulted in a significant reduction of daily ethanol consumption with no effects on saccharin consumption. After 4 days of treatment, male rats consistently exhibited a rebound increase in ethanol consumption; this effect was not seen in females. The daily ethanol consummatory patterns of the female animals seemed to exhibit a 4–6 day cyclic rhythymicity, suggesting an interaction with estrous cycles. These results support a role for ACTH4–10 in the initiation of ethanol consummatory behavior in rats and suggests the existence of sex differences in this phenomenon.