Anxiogenic and stress-inducing effects of peripherally administered acetaldehyde in mice: Similarities with the disulfiram-ethanol reaction

► Peripheral acetaldehyde induces anxiety in mice in several behavioral paradigms. ► Peripheral acetaldehyde releases corticosterone more potently than ethanol. ► Disulfiram blocks anxiolytic effects of ethanol and generates an anxiogenic effect. ► Disulfiram inhibits hepatic ALDH activity at these doses. ► Acetate does not have an effect on anxiety parameters.