The Behavioral and Resting Membrane Potential Responses to Acute and Chronic Ethanol Exposure

Abstract

The effects of EtOH on the crayfish Procambarus clarkii were examined behaviorally in vivo and electrophysiologically in vitro. Acute and chronic effects of EtOH exposure were monitored over a 14-day period. We verified the behavioral tolerance response as a result of chronic exposure, as well as a physiological correlate through measurements of resting membrane potential. We found significant effects (p = 0.0001) of acute and chronic EtOH exposure on the resting membrane potential. Initial acute exposure showed a drop in membrane potential (accounted for as the efflux of potassium). Chronic exposure resulted in a return to control resting membrane potential suggesting an effect on either the influx of calcium or sodium. Further research is needed to resolve this.