Altered alcohol consumption in mutant mice can be related to changes in taste (Blednov et al., 2008). We studied consumption of saccharin and quinine in the mutant mice in a 24 hr two bottle choice test to determine if taste could account for the reduced alcohol consumption. Of the six knockout strains, only B2m null male mice showed a slight change (reduction) in preference for saccharin. Total fluid intake was reduced in B2m and Ctss null male mice and increased in Cd14 and Il6 knockout male mice. Only Ctss null male mice showed slightly reduced avoidance (increased preference) for quinine. Ctss null male mice also demonstrated reduced total fluid intake whereas in Cd14 knockout males, total fluid intake was increased (for complete results see Supplemental Table 3; for detailed statistics see Supplemental Table 5).
