Effects of ethanol, acetoin and 2,3-butanediol on EEG power spectra in conscious rats.

Effects of ethanol, acetoin and 2,3-butanediol on the central nervous system (CNS) were investigated by using the analysis of EEG (electroencephalogram) spectral powers recorded at the frontal cortex in rats. High doses of ethanol were required for exhibiting an increase of EEG spectral powers in the delta (0-4 Hz) and theta (4-8 Hz) waves when it was given either orally or intravenously. On the other hand, when ethanol was injected intracerebroventricularly, the drug caused a potent increasing effect of EEG spectral powers. Both acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were found to increase in EEG spectral powers by oral and intravenous administrations at relatively low doses. In addition, acetoin and 2,3-butanediol were more effective than ethanol in increasing EEG spectral powers in the delta and theta bands after intracerebroventricular administration. From these findings it can be concluded that both acetoin and 2,3-butanediol have a potent CNS depressant effect.