Lack of relationship between brain (Na ⁺ + K ⁺). Activated adenosine triphosphatase and the development of tolerance to ethanol in rats

The effects of chronic ethanol administration on brain (Na ⁺ + K ⁺) activated adenosine triphosphatase were re examined in rats. Despite the tolerance development to the behavioral depressant effects of ethanol as monitored by conditioned avoidance behavior and Rotarod performance, no remarkable change in (Na ⁺, Mg ⁺⁺, ATP) dependent binding of ³H ouabain or (Na ⁺ + K ⁺) activated adenosine triphosphatase activity of brain homogenates or microsomal fractions was observed after chronic ethanol treatments or during the subsequent withdrawal period. In contrast to a previous report, it is concluded that the (Na ⁺ + K ⁺) activated adenosine triphosphatase is not related to the development of central tolerance to ethanol in rats.