title: Beta-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol secretion in abstinent alcoholics.
abstract: The circadian secretion of beta-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol was evaluated in 14 non-cirrhotic alcoholic men after 7 and 28 days of abstinence and in 12 sex- and age-matched normal subjects. A significant decrease in plasma levels of beta-endorphin, reduced ACTH levels, and increased cortisol levels were observed in samples taken at 08.00 h, 12.00 h, 18.00 h, and 23.00 h both after 7 and 28 days of abstinence. These data suggest the presence of a strong negative feedback on pro-opiomelanocortin synthesis by cortisol hypersecretion in abstinent alcoholics, which might be due to long-term stimulation of adrenal function by alcohol. The decreased plasma beta-endorphin levels might predispose to relapse in alcohol abuse.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marchesi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chiodera
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ampollini
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Volpi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Coiro
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D001615:beta-Endorphin; D011333:Pro-Opiomelanocortin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone