Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Monday, March 7, 2011

A Simple Way to Measure Ethanol Sensitivity in Flies



Low doses of ethanol cause flies to become hyperactive, while high doses are sedating. The sensitivity to ethanol-induced sedation of a given fly strain is correlated with that strain s ethanol preference, and therefore sedation is a highly relevant measure to study the genetics of alcohol responses and drinking. 

We demonstrate a simple way to expose flies to ethanol and measure its intoxicating effects. 

The assay we describe can determine acute sensitivity, as well as ethanol tolerance induced by repeat exposure. 

It does not require a technically involved setup, and can therefore be applied in any laboratory with basic fly culture tools.



Read Full JoVE Article      (PDF)