Therapeutic-like effects of trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) activation in models of alcohol abuse

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are one of the most common and devastating forms of drug addiction in Australia. However, current treatments are severely lacking in effective pharmacological options. In recent years, the trace-amine associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) has been identified as a potential target for new pharmacological interventions in drug addiction, showing effectiveness in reducing cocaine- and methamphetamine-addiction related behaviours in animal models. However, the effects of TAAR1 activation on alcohol addiction have not been addressed. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effects of TAAR1 activation with the partial agonist, RO5263397, on alcohol self-administration and locomotor sensitisation behaviours in a rodent model of alcohol addiction. The data showed that TAAR1-activation resulted in a significant decrease of ethanol consumption in g/kg in the first hour of the self-administration test, and a significant decrease in locomotor activity. However, there was no effect on ethanol consumption in mL or preference. Furthermore, TAAR1 activation was also found to significantly reduce sucrose and water consumption (mL) which was unexpected. These findings provide an important first look at the effects of TAAR1 activation on alcohol addiction and provide a strong direction for future studies in this area.