Changes in monoamine concentrations in mouse brain associated with ethanol dependence and withdrawal

1 Chronic administration of ethanol to mice by inhalation induced tolerance to ethanol and produced an increase in the concentration of brain monoamines.2 Withdrawal of ethanol from dependent mice caused behavioural changes associated with a further transient rise in brain monoamine concentrations which then declined to control levels.3 Inhibition of the withdrawal syndrome by the administration of ethanol postponed the changes in monoamines associated with withdrawal.4 Administration of inhibitors of catecholamine synthesis before withdrawal of ethanol modified the withdrawal syndrome.