Mutations affecting sensitivity to ethanol in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans.

Mutations in nine genes have been identified in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, which control sensitivity to ethanol. The interaction of these genes has been examined and used to determine a genetic pathway controlling sensitivity to ethanol. The nature of this pathway indicates that ethanol exerts its anesthetic actions at more than one site of action. These results also indicate that ethanol is similar in its effects to the volatile anesthetics, enflurane and isoflurane.