Plasma opioids in alcoholics after acute alcohol consumption and withdrawal.
Beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) plasma concentrations were examined in ten chronic alcohol abusers, eight men and two women aged 25-56 years with histories of continuously elevated ethanol consumption dating from 5-30 years. Plasma levels of the two peptides were measured after acute alcohol consumption and then after 3, 6 and 9 days of forced abstinence, during chlordiazepoxide treatment. Beta-EP and beta-LPH concentrations were normal on all four occasions. A reduced sensitivity of opioid receptors to acute alcohol administration due to chronic alcohol consumption is suggested.
Brambilla
F
F
Ospedale Psichiatrico Pini, Milano, Italy.
Zarattini
F
F
Gianelli
A
A
Bianchi
M
M
Panerai
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000097:blood*; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000097:blood*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009270:Naloxone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011604:Psychoses, Alcoholic / Q000097:blood*; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*; D008083:beta-Lipotropin / Q000097:blood*
D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D009270:Naloxone; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D008083:beta-Lipotropin