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Temperature affects ethanol lethality in C57BL/6, 129, LS and SS mice
D A Finn1, M Bejanian, B L Jones
1Alcohol and Brain Research Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Higher ambient temperatures increase ethanol lethality in mice. Elevated body temperature during intoxication significantly raises mortality rates across various mouse strains, independent of ethanol elimination rates.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Ethanol intoxication can lead to hypothermia.
- Body temperature regulation is critical during acute alcohol exposure.
- Variations in mouse genotypes may influence ethanol toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ambient and body temperature on ethanol-induced lethality.
- To determine if elevated temperatures exacerbate ethanol toxicity in different mouse strains.
- To explore the relationship between temperature, ethanol, and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Four mouse genotypes (C57BL/6J, 129/J, LS/Ibg, SS/Ibg) were administered lethal doses of ethanol.
- Mice were exposed to either 23°C or 34°C ambient temperatures during intoxication.
- Body temperatures and 24-hour mortality rates were recorded.
Main Results:
- Exposure to 23°C caused significant hypothermia in all mouse strains.
- Exposure to 34°C significantly increased ethanol-induced mortality across all four genotypes.
- Mortality rates at 34°C ranged from 95% to 100%, compared to lower rates at 23°C.
- Results were not attributable to temperature-dependent changes in ethanol elimination.
Conclusions:
- Body temperature during ethanol intoxication is a critical determinant of mortality.
- Elevated ambient temperatures, leading to higher body temperatures, significantly increase the risk of ethanol lethality in mice.
- These findings highlight the importance of thermoregulation in managing alcohol toxicity.