The effects of ethyl alcohol and heavy water on the long-time constant (T1) of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, an index of the dynamics of the cupula-endolymph system of the semicircular canal, were investigated in rabbits. Ethyl alcohol with a specific gravity of 0.793 caused two types of direction-changing positional nystagmus. In the early period after its administration, geotropic type positional nystagmus was induced. In this period, ethyl alcohol reduced T1 In the later period after its administration, apogeotropic type positional nystagmus was induced. In this period, T1 was again prolonged. Heavy water with a specific gravity of 1.10 caused apogeotropic type positional nystagmus and prolonged T1. These findings demonstrated that ethyl alcohol and heavy water directly affect the cupula-endolymph system, suggesting that the semicircular canal was responsible for the positional nystagmus.

Keywords:
Ethanol, Deuterium oxide, VOR, Long-time constant, Rabbits
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1989 S. Karger AG, Basel
1989
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.