Effect of ethanol in preovulatory periods on brain monoamine levels.

The effects of two doses of ethanol (2 and 4 g/kg, i.p.) on the concentration of catecholamines (noradrenaline and dopamine), serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in various regions of the rat brain were studied. The ethanol administration of both doses induces a significant decrease in the levels of hypothalamic noradrenaline. Similarly, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in the same region and hemispheres are increased. The high dose produces an elevation in the concentration of midbrain dopamine. It was concluded that the hypothalamus is the brain region most sensitive to the action of ethanol and the effect of this substance differs according to the brain area.