Influence of Route and Concentration of Ethanol Upon Central Depressant Effect in the Mouse

The central depressant effect of ethanol has been assessed in male mice in terms of the extent of prolongation of hexobarbital sleeping time produced. The dosage of alcohol was varied in terms of both concentration (30, 50, 70 and 90 vol%) and route of administration (p.o., i.v., and i.p.). Correlation between concentration and depressant effect of ethanol was absent by the p.o. route and positive by the i.v. route. When administered i.p., the depressant effect of ethanol increased with increasing concentration up to 70%, but showed a significant reduction at 90%.