Ghrelin knockout mice show decreased voluntary alcohol consumption and reduced ethanol-induced conditioned place preference

► Ghrelin KO displayed lower ethanol-CPP. ► Ghrelin receptor antagonist JMV2959 reduced CPP-expression in C57BL/6 mice. ► Ghrelin KO displayed lower ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation. ► Ghrelin KO and JMV2959-injected mice showed reduced voluntary ethanol intake. ► JMV2959 reduced ethanol intake only in WT but not in ghrelin KO mice.