Alpha-2-adrenoceptor sensitivity in early alcohol withdrawal.
Growth hormone (GH), blood pressure, and pulse rate responses to clonidine (100 micrograms IV) were studied three times during the first week of alcohol withdrawal in 19 alcohol-dependent patients. Fifteen healthy men were used as controls. The results suggest reduced sensitivity of the alpha-2-adrenoceptors involved in GH secretion for at least 1 week after the end of alcohol intake. In contrast, very short-lasting subsensitivity was found in the alpha-2-adrenoceptors regulating blood pressure.
Balldin
J
J
Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Berggren
U
U
Engel
J
J
Lindstedt
G
G
Sundkler
A
A
Wålinder
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002719:Chlormethiazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002749:Chlorprothixene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003000:Clonidine; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D010076:Oxazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D002719:Chlormethiazole; D010076:Oxazepam; D013006:Growth Hormone; D002749:Chlorprothixene; D003000:Clonidine; D009638:Norepinephrine