The Subchronic Effects of the TRH Analog TA‐0910 and Bromocriptine on Alcohol Preference in Alcohol‐Preferring Rats: Development of Tolerance and Cross‐Tolerance

In a previous study, we showed that a single injection of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone analog TA-0910 dose-dependently reduced alcohol intake in alcohol-preferring (P) rats and increased their water intake over a 24-hr period. In the present study, the effects of seven consecutive, once-daily injections of TA-0910 (0.75 mg/kg, ip) on alcohol preference were determined. P rats developed tolerance to the attenuating effects of TA-0910 on alcohol intake within 3-5 days. Following the development of tolerance to TA-0910, rats were injected with the dopamine agonist bromocriptine (0.5 mg/kg, sc). In the presence of tolerance to TA-0910, the attenuating effect of bromocriptine on alcohol intake was reduced. When rats were made tolerant to the attenuating effects of bromocriptine, they exhibited tolerance to the attenuating effects of TA-0910. These findings indicate that tolerance to the effects of TA-0910 on alcohol intake occurs and suggest dopamine involvement in the mechanism of action of TA-0910 in reducing alcohol intake in P rats.