Effects of alpha-methylparatyrosine on voluntary consumption of ethanol, water, and solid food in UChA and UChB rats.

The effect of daily doses of 80 mg/kg (intraperitoneal) of alpha-methylparatyrosine, AMPT (inhibitor of tyrosine hydroxylase) on the voluntary consumption of ethanol, water, and solid food was studied in rats of both sexes belonging to the UChA (lower ethanol consumer) and UChB (high ethanol consumer) strains. The consumptions during the treatment period were compared to those of the preceding one (basic). Decrease of ethanol and solid food intake and increase of that of water in UChB rats and only a decrease of solid food intake in UChA rats were observed. These effects cannot be ascribed to blocking of dopaminergic or noradrenergic synapses, since this dose of AMPT inhibits the in vivo synthesis of both catecholamines.