RAPID COMMUNICATION Selective inhibition of sucrose and ethanol intake by SR 141716, an antagonist of central cannabinoid (CB1) receptors

Abstract SR 141716, a selective central CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist, markedly and selectively reduces sucrose feeding and drinking as well as neuropeptide Y-induced sucrose drinking in rats. SR 141716 also decreases ethanol consumption in C57BL / 6 mice. In contrast, blockade of CB1 receptors only marginally a¤ects regular chow intake or water drinking. The active doses of SR 141716 (0.33 mg / kg) are in the range known to antagonize the characteristic e¤ects induced by cannabinoid receptor agonists. These results suggest for the Þrst time that endogenous cannabinoid systems may modulate the appetitive value of sucrose and ethanol, perhaps by a¤ecting the activity of brain reward systems