Effect of various doses of ethanol on reproduction of conditioned food motor reflexes in cats
Stodůlka, J.; Medek, A.; Hrbek, J.; Komenda, S.
Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis Facultatis Medicae 115: 111-120
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-2514 PMID: 2951969 Document Number: 284569
The 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 g kg doses of ethanol applied perorally in a mixture with food did not show any quantitative effect on the reproduction of fixed conditioned food motor reflexes in a group of female cats. No differences in the standard of the reproduction of correct motor reactions was registered between animals unde ethanol and the controls. After 30 minutes of ethanol action correct reaction latencies were shortened by all the doses except for 0.3 g/kg and mostly lengthened within 60-120 minutes of its effect. The number of incorrect reactions was reduced only by an 0.3 g/kg dose 30 minutes after application, while their number was increased by the medium 0.6 g/kg dose through all the experimental intervals, i.e. after 30, 60, and 120 minutes. The experiment distinctly showed the tendency of simultaneous shortening of correct response latencies and increased number of incorrect reactions or, conversely, their prolognation and decreased number of incorrect reactions. The most pronounced effect of ethanol in the experiments with cats was seen with the medium dose of 0.6 g/kg bringing about a statistically significant shortening of correct reaction latencies 30 minutes after its application and likewise a statistically significant increase in the number of incorrect reactions 60 minutes after administration against the controls. The results of food motor reflex reproduction obtained within the time interval of 30-60 minutes can be explained by the excitatory phase and after 120 minutes by the inhibitory phase of the central ethanol effect.