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Development and Characterization of a Binge Drinking Model in Mice for Evaluation of the Immunological Effects of Ethanol
Author(s) -
Carson Edmond J.,
Pruett Stephen B.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1996.tb01055.x
Subject(s) - ataxia , righting reflex , ethanol , binge drinking , corticosterone , glucocorticoid , endocrinology , medicine , toxicity , chemistry , alcohol , reflex , hormone , biochemistry , alcohol consumption , psychiatry
This study describes the development and characterization of a binge drinking model in which a single dose of ethanol (EtOH) is administered by gavage to B6C3F1 mice. Blood EtOH levels were monitored over time after administration of EtOH at doses of 3.0–7.0 g/kg. Peak levels were in the range of 0.2–0.5%, and clearance was complete within 2–12 hr. Substantial increases in blood corticosterone levels were noted. Behavioral changes in EtOH‐treated mice aged 8 weeks ranged from no effect (3–4 g/kg) to severe ataxia (6–7 g/kg). In mice aged 16 weeks, a dosage of 7 g/kg caused loss of the righting reflex in some animals and severe ataxia in most of the others. Clinical chemistry results did not indicate biologically important changes in general physiological/homeostatic systems in EtOH‐treated mice, but there were indications of minor liver damage at the 7 g/kg dosage. Thus, administration of EtOH to B6C3F1 mice by gavage produces behavioral changes, changes in blood EtOH levels, and probably glucocorticoid levels representative of at least some human binge drinkers. The model was used to evaluate the effects of binge drinking on antibody responses, and the results indicate the model will be useful for such studies.