[Variations in the hyperpolarization potential of ethanol on muscle during reinnervation]

Ethanol causes the hyperpolarization of the excitable membranes. In the Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL) muscle of the rat the increase of resting membrane potential is 2-5% and is independent of the concentration of alcohol between 0.2 and 0.4 M, while at higher concentrations the membrane potential falls to levels equal or inferior to the normal potential. We have studied the hyperpolarization action of ethanol on the denervated muscle by crushing the sciatic nerve. Also under these conditions in which, as is known, there is a drop in the resting potential, ethanol causes hyperpolarization, however it is in general greater and it is dependent upon the concentration between 0.2 and 0.8 M.