Ibudilast reduces alcohol drinking in multiple animal models of alcohol dependence. (11th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bell, Richard L.; Lopez, Marcelo F.; Cui, Changhai; Egli, Mark; Johnson, Kirk W.; Franklin, Kelle M.; Becker, Howard C.
• Is Part Of: Addiction biology. Volume 20:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2013-11-11
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1111/adb.12106
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6215

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Neuroinflammatory signaling pathways in the central nervous system are of current interest as potential pharmacotherapy targets for alcohol dependence. In this study, we examined the ability of ibudilast, a non‐selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, to reduce alcohol drinking and relapse in alcohol‐preferring P rats, high‐alcohol drinking HAD1 rats, and in mice made dependent on alcohol through cycles of alcohol vapor exposure. When administered twice daily, ibudilast reduced alcohol drinking in rats by approximately 50% and reduced drinking by alcohol‐dependent mice at doses which had no effect in non‐dependent mice. These findings support the viability of ibudilast as a possible treatment for alcohol dependence.</p> </abstract>