greater than 200 mg/dl. Often the daily dose of ethanol is divided into two administrations, given 4–8 h apart, creating two lower peak BACs in a 24 h period (42). A major advantage to this method of administration is the precise control over the dose administered and hence the peak BAC reached. A further advantage is that neonatal pups can be exposed to ethanol, allowing study of the effects of ethanol during the third trimester “brain growth spurt.” However, care must be taken to ensure that neonates adequately gain weight during the period of alcohol consumption and often a milk supplement needs to be provided to maintain healthy body weight [see Ref. (25) for review]. A significant disadvantage of intragastric intubation is that it is invasive and a very time-consuming procedure to undertake. Increased stress and higher mortality rates are also associated with this model, and individuals performing this procedure need to undergo specific training to become competent in the procedure.
