Selective breeding for initial sensitivity to ethanol.

Selective breeding for initial sensitivity to ethanol has been carried out by a number of investigators in order to investigate the mechanisms by which ethanol brings about a myriad of effects on the mammalian central nervous system. In addition the availability of these selectively bred animals provides clues to the causes of the genetic predisposition of humans to alcoholism. Eventually it is envisioned that the synteny between the mouse and human genomes will allow identification of specific genes responsible for acute effects of ethanol in both species as well as clues as to how alcoholism in humans can be better identified, prevented, and treated.