Introduction Alcohol is both a stimulant and a depressant. It is a stimulant in low doses but in high doses it depressant side effects are shown. It is a stimulant because it makes one feel as if they are happier and able to let go. Once you reach the depressant side effects people may cry or recall memories that are sad. Alcohol also affects ones’ motor coordination and balance by its interaction with the endogenous GABAA receptor. At the receptor, alcohol enhances the effect of GABAA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which causes a greater inhibition (Mihic, S. et al.). When GABAA inhibits dopamine, there is a decrease amount of dopamine in the brain which causes impaired coordination mainly because of the GABAA receptors in the cerebellum. …show more content…
While eight mice is enough to gain significant data, having more mice would allow for more trials that would help control the amount of random error that could occur. Testing all of the mice in a closer time interval would eliminate the need for some rats to need excess training to maintain familiarity on the rotarod. The mice tested in week two, in this experiment, received three additional training periods to help them maintain familiarity on the rotarod. While it makes sense to have them maintain familiarity, it would be more beneficial to have them tested in a closer time interval. Another variable that could provide more accurate data would be to test each mouse individually. You would be able to watch that mouse more carefully to prevent them from falling off but catching themselves and continuing to remain on the rotarod. This would also help with seeing the exact second that the mouse fell off. In conclusion, alcohol impairs one’s motor coordination and balance. The greater the amount consumed, the more impaired one becomes. This was observed between time trials. The mice that received the saline showed no change in behavior while the mice that received a dose of ethanol showed slower movement, the higher dosed mice expressing this behavior