Attenuation of alcohol consumption by a novel nontoxic ibogaine analogue (18-methoxycoronaridine) in alcohol-preferring rats.

A single injection of 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), a nontoxic ibogaine analogue, dose dependently reduced alcohol consumption and preference in alcohol-preferring rats, while water intake increased correspondingly. Only the highest dose (40 mg/kg) also decreased food intake. The mechanism by which 18-MC suppresses alcohol intake is not yet fully understood but may involve modulation of neurotransmitters that regulate alcohol consumption.

Study at a glance

Abstract

We previously reported that single administration of ibogaine, an indol alkaloid with antiaddictive properties, dose dependently reduced alcohol intake in three strains of alcohol-preferring rats. The present study examined the effect of different doses of a newly developed nontoxic ibogaine analogue, 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), on alcohol intake. Selectively bred alcohol-preferring rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of vehicle or 5, 20 and 40 mg/kg of 18-MC at 9:30 AM, and their consumption of alcohol, water and food was measured for 24 h. Our results demonstrate that a single injection of 18-MC significantly and dose dependently attenuated alcohol consumption and preference and commensurately increased water intake. Only the highest dose of 18-MC significantly decreased food intake. Although the true mechanism of action of 18-MC in suppressing alcohol intake is not yet fully understood, it may, like ibogaine, exert its attenuating effects on alcohol consumption by modulating neurotransmitters believed to be involved in the regulation of alcohol intake.