[The influence of alcohol on central nervous compensating mechanisms following labyrinthic lesions (author's transl)].

The influence of alcohol on mechanisms compensating for labyrinthine lesions was studied in 180 guinea-pigs. The animals were subjected to either unilateral or to successive bilateral labyrinthectomy which was induced by an injection of chloroform into the middle ear. No significant influences of alcohol on vestibular compensation were found up to alcohol levels of 1g/kg. Dosages higher than 2 g/kg exerted inhibitory effects on compensation after unilateral labyrinthectomy. Compensation after successive bilateral labyrinthine lesions could not clearly be influenced. In animals which had achieved natural compensation after labyrinthectomy alcohol dosages of 0,5--1 g/kg re-elicited some of the formerly present symptoms. The data presented are interpreted with regard to their significance for the action of alcohol patients with cerebral dysfunction.