Аннотация:
Objectives. The social factor influences the behavior of social animals and belongs to a separate class of motives that determine the formation of ethanol preference. Modelling of various social conditions of ethanol consumption in animals makes it possible to study different aspects and mechanisms of the influence of this factor. Earlier on male Wistar rats we showed a difference in the formation of ethanol preference in rats under semi-forced alcoholization in groups of sober cage-mates and in groups where all members of the group were alcoholized.
Aim: a comparative study of the influence of different social conditions of ethanol consumption in groups of males and females.
Methods. The comparison was carried out in groups where all individuals received a 15% ethanol solution with groups where only one individual received ethanol solution, while its cage-mates received water. Ethanol preferences were determined using the "Two-bottle test". Video registration was taken to assess social interactions; behavioral parameters and level of anxiety were assessed using the "Open field" and "Elevated cruciform maze" tests.
Results and its discussion. In female Wistar rats, as well as in males, a predominance in the level of ethanol preference was found when consumed by all members of the group, in contrast to the individual in a sober environment. In male and female rats that received ethanol as a whole group, a decrease in motor and exploratory activity by the second month of alcoholization and a tendency to a decrease in the time spent in the open arms of the cruciform maze were found. Analysis of social interactions in groups of males and females showed an increase in communications in relation to the alcoholized individual from the side of sober cage-mates.
Conclusion. A protective effect of the sober environment factor is assumed in the formation of alcohol preference among individuals who consume alcohol, regardless of gender.
Ключевые слова:
alcohol, rats, animal model, social factors, sex differences.