When analyzing the critical control conditions for interpretation of the present data from a learning perspective, a paired-sample t-test comparing the elevated self-administration and the acute FN-439 treatment session (see Figure 5) showed that there were no significant changes in behavior from the treatment (t (4) = -0.078, p > 0.05). This confirmed that once elevated responding was observed, that MMP inhibition did not have an impact, presumably because plasticity associated with learning had already occurred and MMPs were no longer activated. Conversely, when the originally treated FN-439 group was administered aCSF infusions prior to following self-administration session during acute withdrawal, a main effect of session (F (2, 10) = 4.049, p≤0.05) was observed, indicating an elevated ethanol self-administration pattern. Post-hoc LSD tests confirmed that the animals significantly (p < 0.05) consumed more alcohol during the final aCSF-treated session when compared to the first aCSF-treated session. This result confirms that prior FN-439 treatment did not permanently impair the ability of the animals to learn and show an escalated response pattern.
