Angiotensin II stimulates intake of ethanol in C57BL/6J mice

The influence of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of angiotensin I I on intake of water and ethanol solutions was determined in C57BL/6J mice. Compared to other mice, C57 mice do not show an aversion to ethanol soluti ons. With both water and ethanol solutions available, the C57 mice consumed 40-60% of their total daily fluid intake as ethanol solution when the conc entration of ethanol solution offered was 4-14%. When given a choice betwee n 0.3 M KCI and either 4 or 10% ethanol solution, the mice clearly preferre d the ethanol solution. With water only available, i.c.v. infusion of angio tensin II increased intake from 3-5 mL/day (baseline) to 11-12 mL/day (Day 4 of infusion). A similar increase in intake occurred in mice with access to a nonpreferred solution of 0.3 M KCI. In comparison, when only 4% ethano l solution was available, angiotensin II increased intake to 7-8 mL/day, an d when only 10% ethanol solution was available, intake was transiently incr eased. The results demonstrated that thirst for water caused by i.c.v. infu sion of angiotensin II in C57 mice is similar to that observed in BALB/C mi ce. Unlike BALB/C mice, however, i.c.v. infusion of angiotensin II stimulat ed intake of ethanol solution. The failure of angiotensin II to cause a lar ge increase in 4% ethanol solution or a sustained increase in 10% ethanol s olution intake does not seem to be caused by an aversion to the taste of et hanol solution, but most likely due to postingestional factors. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Inc.