ATTENUATION OF ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION BY A NOVEL NONTOXIC IBOGAINE ANALOG (18-METHOXYCORONARIDINE) IN ALCOHOL-PREFERRING RATS

We previously reported that single administration of ibogaine, an indo l alkaloid with antiaddictive properties, dose dependently reduced alc ohol intake in three strains of alcohol-preferring rats. The present s tudy examined the effect of different doses of a newly developed nonto xic ibogaine analogue, 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), on alcohol inta ke. Selectively bred alcohol-preferring rats received a single intrape ritoneal injection of vehicle or 5, 20 and 40 mg/kg of 18-MC at 9:30 A M, and their consumption of alcohol, water and food was measured for 2 4 h. Our results demonstrate that a single injection of 18-MC signific antly and dose dependently attenuated alcohol consumption and preferen ce and commensurately increased water intake. Only the highest dose of 18-MC significantly decreased food intake. Although the true mechanis m of action of 18-MC in suppressing alcohol intake is not yet fully un derstood, it may, like ibogaine, exert its attenuating effects on alco hol consumption by modulating neurotransmitters believed to be involve d in the regulation of alcohol intake. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.