Effects of Binge-Like Ethanol Exposure During Adolescence on the Febrile Response in Rats

Background: Ethanol (EtOH) exposure during different phases of life may increase the risk of infections and cause alterations in the central nervous system. The present study investigated the effects of binge-like EtOH exposure in adolescent rats on the febrile response that was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). Methods: Male rats were exposed to EtOH from postnatal days 25 to 38 in a binge-like pattern. Fever was induced by LPS (5 and 50 mu g/kg, intraperitoneally) and evaluated on postnatal days 51 and 63, or by IL-beta(3 ng) and evaluated on postnatal day 51. Hematological parameters, the status of peritoneal macrophages, and plasma and cerebrospinal IL-1 beta levels were also evaluated on postnatal day 51. Results: EtOH exposure during adolescence did not alter normal body temperature. However, a significant reduction in the febrile response that was induced by LPS at both doses was observed on postnatal day 51. However, no changes in the febrile response were observed on postnatal day 63 in EtOH-exposed animals. The febrile response that was induced by intracerebroventricular IL-1 beta also significantly decreased in animals that received binge-like EtOH exposure during adolescence. Acute oral treatment with EtOH 24h prior to LPS administration did not alter the febrile response that was induced by LPS. Binge-like EtOH exposure during adolescence did not alter hematological parameters or the number or viability of peritoneal macrophages. Binge-like EtOH exposure did not alter plasma IL-1 beta levels but reduced the cerebrospinal fluid levels of this cytokine. Conclusions: These results suggest that binge-like EtOH exposure during adolescence causes changes in the central nervous system that can impair the febrile response that can be observed after the cessation of EtOH exposure. These changes were reversible and appeared to involve the LPS/IL-1 beta system.