| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5925693 | Physiology & Behavior | 2011 | 4 Pages |
Many recent researches have confirmed the effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs in preventing alcohol dependency, whereas our previous study showed that repeated treatment with topiramate, a new antiepileptic drug, was effective in increasing the plasma levels of beta-endorphin (an endogenous opioid peptide) in rats. It is well documented that in humans a genetic deficit of beta-endorphin is often associated with alcohol addiction as alcohol consumption elevates the level of this peptide. The aim of the present study is multifaceted: to investigate the effect of repeated treatment of levetiracetam (50 or 100Â mg/kg b.w., twice daily) on voluntary alcohol intake in alcohol preferring rats (Warsaw High Preferring; WHP) and to assess changes in plasma beta-endorphin levels while alcohol is available and when it is not available for an extended period of time.We observed a noticeable increase in the levels of beta-endorphin in rats with free access to alcohol whether in a prolonged levetiracetam-treated or vehicle-treated group. However, in the levetiracetam group, a voluntary intake of alcohol diminished in comparison with both the pretreatment period and in comparison with the vehicle-treated rats. A similar increase in the plasma beta-endorphin levels was observed in levetiracetam-treated rats that did not have access to ethanol. This finding lets us to believe that levetiracetam may be a promising medication in treatment of alcohol dependency as its application leads to the increase in the beta-endorphin concentration and ultimately results in reducing deficiency of this peptide.
Research Highlights⺠Genetic deficit of beta-endorphin increases the susceptibility to alcoholism. ⺠Alcohol intake increases the level of beta-endorphin both in human and animals. ⺠Drugs that increase beta-endorphin levels may be effective in alcoholism treatment. ⺠Levetiracetam increases the beta-endorphin level and decreases alcohol intake. ⺠Levetiracetam may be a promising drug in alcohol dependency treatment.
