RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Effect of Intraperitoneal Injections of 5-Ethoxydihydro-2(3H)-Furanone and Ethanol on Behavior of Rats in the Open Field JF American Journal of Enology and Viticulture JO Am J Enol Vitic. FD American Society for Enology and Viticulture SP 121 OP 123 DO 10.5344/ajev.1972.23.3.121 VO 23 IS 3 A1 A. D. Webb A1 C. J. Muller A1 R. E. Kepner A1 K. Eriksson A1 M. NÄRHI YR 1972 UL http://www.ajevonline.org/content/23/3/121.abstract AB 5-Ethoxydihydro-2(3H)-furanone (4-ethoxy-4-hydroxybutyric acid gamma lactone), a trace component recently isolated from wines, when injected intraperitoneally in rats depressed ambulation, rearing, and defecation in the open-field test. Ethanol injected in conjunction with this ethoxy furanone intensified depression of ambulation. The furanone was lethal at about 600 mg/kg (IP in rats), and ethanol shortened time to death. This ethoxy furanone decomposes at pH 2 - 3; thus passage through the stomach renders it harmless to man.