[The effect of ethanol on the food behavior of the snail Achatina fulica].

The feeding behaviour of the land snails Achatina fulica was used for investigation of the effects of different doses of ethanol. The time from the beginning of food (carrot) exposure till the removal of the carrot from the needle was measured. Regression analysis revealed the opportunity of approximation with exponential mathematical model of feeding behaviour time progressive decrease during food exposure. 1% ethanol solution injected into cephalopedal sinus inhibited the feeding behaviour to a small extent whereas 5% and 10% ethanol led to the facilitation of this behaviour. The increase of ethanol concentration from 20% to 40% in injected solution enhanced the inhibitory effect. The feeding behaviour is proposed to be employed as a model for investigation of ethanol neuronal effects.