Alcohol consumption does not affect fathers but does affect their offspring in the forced swimming test

Male rats that had consumed alcohol for seven months did not differ significantly from controls in their immobility response in the forced swimming test. In contrast to this observation, the offspring of these males exhibited a significant dose-related decrease in immobility. These results suggest that while alcohol's effects may not be observable in males consuming it, this does not necessarily mean that it has no important biological effects on these males. However, these effects may not be appreciated until their offspring are examined.