2.3. Chronic intermittent ethanol exposure

Ethanol vapor (or air) was delivered in Plexiglas inhalation chambers as previously described. 14 , 15 Chamber ethanol concentrations were monitored daily, and air flow was adjusted to maintain ethanol concentrations within a range that yielded stable blood ethanol levels (175‐225 mg/dL). Mice were placed in inhalation chambers at 1600 hours and removed 16 hours later. Before each 16‐hour exposure, mice in CIE groups were administered an injection of ethanol (1.6 g/kg) and the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor pyrazole (1 mmol/kg in saline) to maintain a stable level of intoxication during ethanol vapor exposure. Mice in AIR groups received an injection of pyrazole before being placed in control chambers. All injections were given at a volume of 20 mL/kg (i.p.).