Cytogenetic study of chronic ethanol consumption in rats

Ethanol was supplied in the drinking water of Wistar rats at a concentratio n of 20% v/ v for up to 30 days. The animals treated with ethanol demonstra ted a nonsignificant increase in chromosomal aberration frequency when comp ared with control animals. The mitotic index values obtained indicated no s ignificant differences between ethanol treatment and control groups. The fi nal weights of control rats were significantly greater than those of the et hanol-treated group. Chronic administration of ethanol showed no clastogeni c or cytotoxic effect. After chronic ethanol consumption, the cytochromes P 450 activity increases, thus possibly preventing the ethanol that has enter ed the circulation from reaching excessive levels, leading to metabolic ada ptation and/or tolerance. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 21:361-368, 2001 . (C) 2001 whey-Liss, Inc.