The Relationship of Dilution of Ethyl Alcohol to Intraperitoneal Toxicity in Mice

Abstract

Ethyl alcohol was injd. intraperit. into mice in different dilutions such that each animal received the same amt. of alcohol but in dilutions of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96%. Toxlcity was inversely proportional to dilution up to 60% but above 60% the toxicity was less. Toxicity is apparently proportional to the rate of absorption outwardly through the peritoneum. Mice habituated to water containing 9.5% alcohol for 19 days showed a greater tolerance to alcohol than non-habituated mice as was shown by a 58% reduction in mortality of the habituated animals when injd. with 10 ml. of 48% alcohol/ kg. body wt.