Key result
NTS2 null mice were less sensitive to the acute hypnotic effects of ethanol and consumed more ethanol compared to wild-type littermates, while NT69L administration reduced alcohol consumption in both.
NTS2 plays a role in regulating ethanol consumption and hypnosis, and targeting it with NT analogs like NT69L may reduce alcohol preference.
NTS2 may modulate ethanol sensitivity and intake; leaves open therapeutic targeting in alcohol use disorder pending human data.
BACKGROUND: Neurotensin receptors (NTS) regulate a variety of the biological functions of neurotensin (NT) in the central nervous system. Although NT and neurotensin receptors type 1 (NTS1) are implicated in some of the behavioral effects of ethanol, the functional roles of neurotensin receptors type 2 (NTS2) in ethanol intoxication and consumption remain unknown. Here, we investigated behavioral effects mediated by NTS2 in response to ethanol, which are implicated in ethanol consumption and preference, using NTS2 null mice. METHOD: First, we examined ethanol-induced locomotion, ataxia, hypnosis, and hypothermia in NTS2 null mice. Next, we measured ethanol consumption and preference in NTS2 null mice by giving them free choice between ethanol- and tap water-containing bottles. Then using a brain-permeable NT analog, NT69L, we examined the role of NTS2 in locomotor activity and ataxia. Finally, we examined the effect of NT69L on ethanol consumption and preference in NTS2 null mice. RESULTS: We found that NTS2 null mice appear less sensitive to the acute hypnotic effects of ethanol and consumed more ethanol compared to wild-type littermates in a 2-bottle choice experiment, even though ethanol-induced locomotion, ataxia, and hypothermia were similar between genotypes. Interestingly, the administration of NT69L for 4 consecutive days significantly reduced alcohol consumption and preference in wild-type littermates as well as in NTS2 null mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that NTS2 regulates ethanol-induced hypnosis and ethanol consumption.
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Lee et al. (2010) studied Ethanol consumption and preference. NTS2 null mutation and NT69L administration vs. Wild-type littermates was evaluated on Ethanol consumption, preference, and ethanol-induced hypnosis. NTS2 null mice were less sensitive to the acute hypnotic effects of ethanol and consumed more ethanol compared to wild-type littermates, while NT69L administration reduced alcohol consumption in both.
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