Most animal studies use a dosage of alcohol exposure that produces a BAC in the range of 100–400 mg/dl (i.e., moderate to binge-like levels of exposure). The peak BAC achieved will depend on both the dose and pattern of exposure (64, 65). In order to achieve a low to moderate BAC (80–150 mg/dl), experimenters normally employ either liquid diets, voluntary drinking paradigms, or vapor inhalation (see Route of Administration). Higher binge-like BACs (>200 mg/dl) are normally achieved using either oral intubation (gavage) or direct injections (see Route of Administration). Higher BACs are generally associated with increased neurotoxicity, and even the administration of a single high dose of ethanol during the period of brain development can cause significant structural impairments if the BAC achieved is sufficiently high (66, 67). Low to moderate BACs can also cause significant neuronal damage, and while longer exposure periods (i.e., throughout gestation) are usually used with these models (68–70), shorter exposure can still cause significant deficits (31). Thus, continuous low-level exposure to ethanol may be as damaging as a single high-level exposure, though the types of
