Effect of acute ethanol intoxication on swallowing function in mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Ethanol consumption can cause various symptoms based on blood concentration.
• Acute ethanol intoxication is a risk factor for aspiration, but its effects on swallowing are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of acute ethanol intoxication on swallowing mechanisms in mice.
• To utilize videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) methodology to assess these effects.

Main Methods:

• Male C57BL/6 J mice were divided into saline, 2 g/kg ethanol, and 4 g/kg ethanol groups.
• VFSS was employed to analyze swallowing parameters (e.g., lick rate, pharyngeal transit time) before and after ethanol injection.

Main Results:

• The 4 g/kg ethanol group showed increased inter-swallow intervals and lick-swallow rates at 2 hours post-injection, which normalized by 8 hours.
• Pharyngeal transit time, bolus speed, and bolus area showed no significant changes after ethanol administration.

Conclusions:

• Ethanol administration delays oral bolus transport but does not impact pharyngeal swallowing reflexes.
• Acute ethanol intoxication specifically impairs oral function, as demonstrated by VFSS.