Electrophysiologic effects of acute ethanol exposure. II. Alterations in the calcium component of action potentials from sensory neurons in dissociated culture.

Dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons were exposed to 0.05-0.50 g% ethanol. The recording medium was altered in order to produce an action potential with an increased duration which was Ca2+-dependent. Ethanol was observed to decrease the duration of sensory neuron action potentials indicating a decreased inward Ca2+ current. The ethanol induced decrease in duration was reversible and dose-dependent. No alterations in resting membrane potential, spike amplitude, or maximum rate of rise were observed during ethanol exposure. An increased threshold was also observed with application of ethanol. These findings are discussed in regard to the possible effects of ethanol on Ca2+ movement at the presynaptic terminal.