Cytogenetic study of chronic ethanol consumption in rats

Ethanol was supplied in the drinking water of Wistar rats at a concentration of 20% v/v for up to 30 days. The animals treated with ethanol demonstrated a nonsignificant increase in chromosomal aberration frequency when compared with control animals. The mitotic index values obtained indicated no significant differences between ethanol treatment and control groups. The final weights of control rats were significantly greater than those of the ethanol-treated group. Chronic administration of ethanol showed no clastogenic or cytotoxic effect. After chronic ethanol consumption, the cytochromes P450 activity increases, thus possibly preventing the ethanol that has entered the circulation from reaching excessive levels, leading to metabolic adaptation and/or tolerance.