Repeated moderate-dose ethanol bouts impair cognitive function in Wistar rats.

The effects of repeated, intermittent administration of a moderate dose of ethanol (3.4 g/kg/day × 6 days, intragastrically via gavages) on cognitive function were examined in male Wistar rats. No significant differences in weight gain between the ethanol- and water-treated rats were found.

Repeated exposure to moderate doses of ethanol augments hippocampal glutamate neurotransmission by increasing release.

The present study used conventional and quantitative microdialysis to assess glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission in the hippocampal CA3 area of the rat following a moderate-dose ethanol treatment regimen. Male Wistar rats received 3.4 g/kg of ethanol or water for 6 days via gastric gavage.