A comparison of the effects of chronic administration of ethanol and acetaldehyde to mice: evidence for a role of acetaldehyde in ethanol dependence

After chronic exposure to ethanol or acetaldehyde vapour in concentrations which depress locomotor activity, mice show similar behavioural changes during withdrawal, and there is some degree of cross dependence. Mice exposed to acetaldehyde vapour had blood acetaldehyde concentrations similar to those of ethanol‐treated mice, but brain acetaldehyde concentrations were apparently lower. There was no accumulation of acetaldehyde in blood or brain in either group during chronic administration. Chronic ethanol or acetaldehyde administration to mice is associated with an increase in the concentrations of the brain monoamines noradrenaline, dopamine and 5‐HT. Withdrawal of ethanol or acetaldehyde is associated with a further, rapid, transient rise in the brain catecholamines, noradrenaline and dopamine. These results suggest that acetaldehyde may play a role in some of the biochemical and behavioural changes associated with ethanol dependence. 1974 Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain