Changes in the beta-endorphin plasma level after repeated treatment with acamprosate in rats selectively bred for high and low alcohol preference

The aim of this study was to evaluate the beta-endorphin (β-endorphin) plasma level in Warsaw Low Preferring (WLP) and Warsaw high-preferring (WHP) rats after repeated administration of acamprosate, one of most effective drug in the treatment of alcoholism. Treatment with acamprosate in dose 200 mg/kg, p.o. for 10 days induced an increase in plasma β-endorphin levels. A single injection of ethanol also results in the increase of β-endorphin level. Moreover, it was found that single injection of ethanol to WHP rats resulted in lower increase of plasma β-endorphin content in rats earlier treated with acamprosate. In WLP rats, repeated acamprosate treatment prevents the ethanol-induced increase in plasma β-endorphin level. It may be concluded that acamprosate modulates the endogenous opioid system.