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Ethanol stimulation after chronic exposure in C57 mice
L D Middaugh1, J P Favara, W O Boggan
1Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Charleston 29425-0742.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Chronic ethanol exposure in mice alters their response to alcohol. Mice showed reduced depression and increased stimulation from ethanol, indicating tolerance development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding EtOH's effects on behavior is crucial for addiction research.
- Tolerance to EtOH's effects develops with sustained exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic ethanol exposure on locomotor activity in C57BL/6cr mice.
- To determine how chronic ethanol affects responses to both depressive and stimulatory doses of ethanol.
- To assess behavioral adaptations following prolonged ethanol intake.
Main Methods:
- Mice (C57BL/6cr) were maintained on a liquid diet with 25% of calories from ethanol for approximately 3 weeks.
- Blood ethanol levels were monitored.
- Locomotor activity was assessed in response to depressive (3 g/kg) and stimulatory (2 g/kg) doses of ethanol.
Main Results:
- Mice chronically exposed to ethanol exhibited reduced locomotor activity compared to controls.
- These mice were less affected by a high, depressive dose of ethanol.
- Conversely, they showed an enhanced stimulatory response to a low dose of ethanol.
Conclusions:
- Chronic ethanol exposure via liquid diets attenuates its depressive effects on locomotor activity in C57 mice.
- This exposure exacerbates the stimulatory effect of ethanol on locomotor activity.
- The findings suggest that tolerance to ethanol's depressive effects may unmask or enhance its stimulatory actions.