Biomaterial Database

Calcium influence on neurotensin and beta-endorphin enhancement of ethanol sensitivity in selectively bred mouse lines. 1987

E L Morrow, and V G Erwin

Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of neurotensin produced a dose-dependent increase in ethanol sensitivity as measured by blood ethanol concentration at loss of righting reflex in SS/Ibg (SS) but not in LS/Ibg (LS) mice. Central administration of calcium also enhanced ethanol sensitivity of SS and to a lesser extent LS mice. Concurrent icv administration of calcium and neurotensin resulted in an additional enhancement of sensitivity to ethanol over that seen with either substance alone in both mouse lines. A dose-dependent increase in ethanol sensitivity was also produced in response to central administration of beta-endorphin in SS mice. No additional increase in sensitivity was noted following administration of beta-endorphin plus calcium. These results suggest a specific interaction of calcium and neurotensin may be involved in the mechanism through which ethanol elicits intoxication. The difference in response of LS and SS mice to neuropeptide and calcium-induced alterations in ethanol sensitivity may be related to the genetically selected differences to the acute narcotic actions of ethanol in these mice.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007276	Injections, Intraventricular	Injections into the cerebral ventricles.	Intraventricular Injections,Injection, Intraventricular,Intraventricular Injection
D008297	Male		Males
D008815	Mice, Inbred Strains	Genetically identical individuals developed from brother and sister matings which have been carried out for twenty or more generations, or by parent x offspring matings carried out with certain restrictions. All animals within an inbred strain trace back to a common ancestor in the twentieth generation.	Inbred Mouse Strains,Inbred Strain of Mice,Inbred Strain of Mouse,Inbred Strains of Mice,Mouse, Inbred Strain,Inbred Mouse Strain,Mouse Inbred Strain,Mouse Inbred Strains,Mouse Strain, Inbred,Mouse Strains, Inbred,Strain, Inbred Mouse,Strains, Inbred Mouse
D009496	Neurotensin	A biologically active tridecapeptide isolated from the hypothalamus. It has been shown to induce hypotension in the rat, to stimulate contraction of guinea pig ileum and rat uterus, and to cause relaxation of rat duodenum. There is also evidence that it acts as both a peripheral and a central nervous system neurotransmitter.
D012018	Reflex	An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord.
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D004347	Drug Interactions	The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity of another drug.	Drug Interaction,Interaction, Drug,Interactions, Drug
D004723	Endorphins	One of the three major groups of endogenous opioid peptides. They are large peptides derived from the PRO-OPIOMELANOCORTIN precursor. The known members of this group are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-endorphin. The term endorphin is also sometimes used to refer to all opioid peptides, but the narrower sense is used here; OPIOID PEPTIDES is used for the broader group.	Endorphin
D000431	Ethanol	A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.	Alcohol, Ethyl,Absolute Alcohol,Grain Alcohol,Alcohol, Absolute,Alcohol, Grain,Ethyl Alcohol
D000435	Alcoholic Intoxication	An acute brain syndrome which results from the excessive ingestion of ETHANOL or ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.	Drunkenness,Intoxication, Alcoholic,Drunkennesses