A successful method for development of voluntary alcohol intoxication in mice

Eight strains of male mice, C57BL, C3H SWM, SW, KK, KSB, KR and DBA, were fed on a standard pelletized diet and offered a choice of water or 10% sake solution (sake containing 10% alcohol). Both young (3 months of age) and old (8 months of age) groups were studied simultaneously. The degree of intoxication was measured by recording the drinking behavior on a pulse recorder, by calculating gaschromatographically the blood alcohol concentration, by taking depth electroencephalogram readings and so on. Intoxication, shown by lack of coordination such as grossly impaired gait, was observed only in the older mice of strain with a moderate natural alcohol preference such as C3H, SWM, SW, KK and KSB. In general, the intoxicated mice were over 9 months of age, tended to consume fluids regardless of the time of day or night and suffered a loss of body weight. The blood alcohol levels of them were over 4.6%. The threshold elevation of the ascending reticular activating system on electroencephalogram in a intoxicated mouse reached about 167%. The present study provides a successful method for the development of voluntary alcohol intoxication in mice.