EFFECTS OF AMINOTRIAZOLE ON ETHANOL, WATER, AND FOOD-INTAKE AND ON BRAIN CATALASE IN UCHA AND UCHB RATS

Aminotriazole (AT), a catalase inhibitor, was administered to UChA (lo w ethanol consumer) and UChB (high ethanol consumer) rats. Ethanol, wa ter, and solid food intake were measured during basic, treatment, and posttreatment periods. The effects of AT on brain catalase activity an d acetaldehyde recovered during incubation of brain homogenates with e thanol were also studied in rats of both strains. Results showed that AT decreased voluntary ethanol intake in UChB rats, and also diminishe d the consumption of food by rats of both strains. No strain differenc e in brain catalase activity and acetaldehyde recovered during ethanol incubation was observed. The results suggest that AT effect on ethano l consumption is secondary to a reduction in the appetite for calories and not related to its catalase blocking effect.