Mice tolerant to nitrous oxide are also tolerant to alcohol

Mice exposed to 50% nitrous oxide for 3 weeks become tolerant to nitrous oxide. The nitrous oxide-tolerant animals are also tolerant to ethanol, as measured by a 40% decrease in ethanol-induced sleep times and 15% higher blood alcohol levels upon awakening compared to control mice raised in air. These results suggest a common mechanism for the development of tolerance to both alcohol and nitrous oxide.