Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 50, Issue 5 1006-1010, Copyright © 1981 by American Physiological Society
Alcohol consumption in rats: effects on work capacity in the heat
R. Francesconi and M. Mager
To quantitate the effects of ingestion of ethanol (EtOH)-water mixtures on
the ability to work in the heat (35 degrees C), adult male rats (250-350 g)
were given 0, 4, 8, 12, or 16% EtOH as the sole source of drinking water
for 14 days. The endurance capacity (treadmill time) of rats drinking 4%
EtOH was similar to that of rats consuming water (32 vs. 32.9 min,
respectively). However, the treadmill time of rats drinking of 16% EtOH was
significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced when compared with that of animals
drinking 4 or 8% EtOH. Maximal rectal and skin temperatures were likewise
lower in the group consuming 16% EtOH, whereas increments in rectal and
skin temperatures during treadmill exercise were unaffected. Although
hematocrit and plasma protein levels were unaltered, plasma levels of the
commonly reported indices of heat-exercise injury were exacerbated by
consumption of increasing concentrations of EtOH. We concluded that
ingestion of EtOH for 2 wk had minimal effects on thermoregulation and that
the decrements in work capacity noted were probably the result of
alterations in hepatic and muscle metabolism.
