[Differences between dose-effect curves for ethanol on locomotion and rearings in mice of various strains]

Ethanol (1--5 g/kg, per os) dose-response curve for locomotion in male mice of 4 strains (SHR, BALB/c, C3HA and C57BL/6) is characterized by a gradual rise up to the top (at 3 g/kg for all strains except C3HA, in which it was attained at 5 g/kg) and by subsequent decline. The dose-response curve for rearings gradually and gently slopes down to zero. The stimulant effect of ethanol (1.5--3 g/kg) can therefore be measured by an increase in lovomoyion. However, the action of various drugs (or other factors) on this effect has to be evaluated simultaneously from locomotion and rearings since a decrease in locomotion as a result of the curve fracture may indicate both diminution and enhancement of the stimulant effect of ethanol. Simultaneous decrease or increase in the rate of rearings suggests potentiation or diminution of the effect of ethanol, respectively.