title: [Neuropharmacological aspects of chronic alcohol use and withdrawal syndrome].
abstract: The objective of this paper is to review and describe the main neuropharmacological changes caused by the chronic use of alcohol and those observed during its withdrawal period. The results show international data referring to the involvement of monoamine systems, neurotransmitters and calcium channels in both neuroadaptation and tolerance to alcohol effects and withdrawal. Relevant studies showing the participation of other systems in those mechanisms, as opioids and other substances, are also shown. The article reinforces the importance, for both physicians and researchers, of an always growing understanding of alcohol central mechanisms of action. This understanding is necessary to new pharmacological options to alcohol harm reduction as well as to alcohol withdrawal treatment.
authors.affiliation: Núcleo de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Instituto de Psiquiatria de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. mzaleski@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Marcos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zaleski
authors.forename: Gina Struffaldi
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Morato
authors.forename: Vilma Aparecida da
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Tadeu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lemos
mesh_terms: D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D000431:Ethanol