Effect of ethanol on the immune system in mice

Mice were injected with ethanol (2.5 g/kg body wt., i.p.) 1-3 times daily for 17 days or 3 times daily for 49 days. The primary and secondary antibody titers to sheep red blood cells were determined. In addition, microhematocrits, white blood cell counts, white blood cell differential counts, and organ-to-body-weight ratios were determined. Despite continuous large doses of ethanol, the ethanol-treated mice responded as well as saline-treated controls in all parameters tested. The results of this study are discussed in the context of other studies on the effects of ethanol on the immune system.