Fewer pigmented neurons in the locus coeruleus of uncomplicated alcoholics.
Altered noradrenergic function is associated with alcoholism. Reduced brain norepinephrine (NE) concentrations and beta-adrenergic receptor supersensitivity following chronic alcohol consumption suggest a reduced level of noradrenergic neurotransmission. To further elucidate the reason for changes in noradrenergic function, we determined the number of melanin-containing noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) postmortem from 11 controls and 7 alcoholics. Controls did not have a known history of psychiatric or neurologic disorders and were drug-free by toxicological screen. The diagnosis of alcohol-dependence was based on DSM-III-R criteria. Alcoholics differed from controls in having 23% fewer LC neurons (control: 43,472 +/- 1,021; alcoholic: 33,398 +/- 2184; P < 0.0005) and 46% lower density of neurons (control: 1,227 +/- 89 cells per mm3; alcoholic: 663 +/- 94 cells per mm3; P = 0.001). The reduction in neurons was bilateral and throughout the middle third of the LC. The two groups did not differ with respect to LC length (control: 16.1 +/- 0.6 mm; alcoholic 15.3 +/- 0.9 mm; P = 0.47) or total LC volume (control: 37.3 +/- 2.8 mm3; alcoholic: 46.5 +/- 4.2 mm3; P = 0.09). Changes in noradrenergic neurotransmission in alcoholics may be due to fewer noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus and may contribute to memory loss and depression, common consequences of alcoholism.
Laboratories of Neuropharmacology, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburg, PA 15213.
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V
Arango
M D
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Underwood
J J
JJ
Mann
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002452:Cell Count; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology; D010858:Pigmentation
D009638:Norepinephrine