STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOUR RESPONSES OF ANIMALS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL CONTAINING DRINKS
The impact of alcohol-containing drinks (beer and vodka) on the behavioral activity of laboratory animals (rats) has been studied. The emotional, physical and tentative-exploratory behavior of rats in the experimental test «Open Field» has been studied. The number of the following behavior responses has been calculated: horizontal physical activity (HPA), vertical physical activity (VPA), tentative-exploratory activity, emotional factor, grooming - the number of washings, combings and other elements of caring. The behavioral responses of the animals have also been studied using such tests as: «Dark-Light Chamber» and «Infra-Red Actimeter» included into the system «Panel with Holes». The results of the studies demonstrated that the alcohol-containing drinks certainly had negative influence on the central nervous system (CNS) of the animals. At the beginning the drinks stimulated the animals’ physical activity but their prolonged use resulted in oppression of their activities. On the 21st day of drinking the 3% vodka the physical activity of rats was reduced at 41%, and with the 3% beer, used instead of vodka, the above value was reduced at 62%.