Neuroendocrine evaluation of 5-HT1A function in male alcoholic patients.
BACKGROUND
Preclinical evidences support the hypothesis of a serotonergic dysfunction in alcohol preference. In human, studies have demonstrated a serotonergic hypoactivity in alcoholism. However, little is known about the role of 5-HT1A receptors.


METHODS
We assessed the hormonal (prolactin and cortisol) responses to flesinoxan (a highly potent and selective 5-HT1A agonist) in 12 male inpatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependence, 3 weeks after the last reported use of alcohol and antidepressants. These patients were compared to 10 male controls.


RESULTS
There was a highly significant difference between alcoholic patients and controls for the area under the curve relative (AUCr) values of prolactin responses. AUCr values of cortisol responses to flesinoxan showed a trend towards lower values in alcoholics compared to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the implication of the serotonergic system, and particularly a decreased sensitivity of post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors, in alcoholism.
Pinto
E
E
University of Liège, Department of Psychiatry, CHU du Sart Tilman (B35), B-4000 Liège, Belgium. epinto@student.ugl.ac.be
Reggers
J
J
Pitchot
W
W
Hansenne
M
M
Fuchs
S
S
Ansseau
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000502:physiology*; D010879:Piperazines; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D044263:Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical
D010879:Piperazines; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D044263:Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT1; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C056895:flesinoxan; D011388:Prolactin; D006854:Hydrocortisone