The Kappa Opioid Receptor is required for some intermittent alcohol drinking induced changes in stress and threat responding in male C57BL/6J mice

Abstract

The dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system in the brain regulates both stressful experiences and negative, aversive states during withdrawal from drugs of abuse. We explored the role of this system during acute withdrawal from long-term alcohol drinking. Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to repeated forced swim tests, home cage exposure to a predator odor, and a visual threat after intermittent access to alcohol or water. Systemic injection of KOR antagonist norBNI reversed alcohol-related differences in immobility time during the second swim test and reduced burying behavior in response to predator odor, but did not affect behavioral response to visual threat. HighlightsO_LIIntermittent alcohol drinking changed stress reactions in mice. C_LIO_LIKOR antagonist norBNI altered some, but not all, stress responses in alcohol drinkers C_LI