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Published on: April 15, 2015
Ascorbic acid effect on ethanol sensitivity via possible dopaminergic mediation
Substance and Alcohol Actions/Misuse
|January 1, 1984
Summary
High doses of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) significantly prolonged ethanol-induced sleep time in mice. Ascorbic acid also reduced apomorphine-induced activity, suggesting it may increase brain sensitivity to alcohol by affecting dopamine receptors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethanol (alcohol) consumption can lead to prolonged sleep and impaired motor activity.
- Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a common antioxidant with potential neuroactive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ascorbic acid on ethanol-induced sleep time and apomorphine-induced locomotor activity in mice.
- To explore the potential role of dopamine receptor activity in mediating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered varying doses of ascorbic acid (0-1720 mg/kg) before testing for ethanol-induced sleep time (3.5 g/kg).
- Brain ethanol levels were measured upon awakening.
- Locomotor activity was assessed after apomorphine (3 mg/kg) injection in mice pre-treated with ascorbic acid.
Main Results:
- Ascorbic acid doses above 215 mg/kg significantly increased ethanol sleep time, with a 210% augmentation at the highest dose.
- Brain ethanol levels upon awakening were reduced by ascorbic acid, notably at 1720 mg/kg.
- Ascorbic acid dose-dependently decreased apomorphine-induced locomotor activity, completely inhibiting it at the highest dose.
Conclusions:
- Ascorbic acid potentiates the effects of ethanol, increasing sleep duration.
- The observed effects suggest ascorbic acid may enhance ethanol's impact by reducing dopamine receptor activity.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of ascorbic acid's neuropharmacological actions.
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