Effects of Alcohol on the Acoustic Reflex Threshold in the Chinchilla

Abstract

The effect of ethanol on the acoustic reflex threshold was examined in a repeated measure design study in six chinchillas. Each subject was weighed and orally administered the control (water) at a dosage of 7.5 ml/kg. Commencing 1 h after alcohol ingestion, the acoustic middle ear reflex measures (AMRs) were taken every other hour, for a total of four recording sessions. Ascending and descending trials were alternated between each recording session. Two weeks later the same chinchillas were administered 35% alcohol by volume. AMRs were recorded under the same conditions and procedures as for the control. Alcohol produced AMRs that were significantly elevated over baseline values 1 h after alcohol ingestion and four of the five had AMRs that remained elevated 3 h after ingestion.