Related Experiment Videos
Alpha-2-adrenoceptor sensitivity in early alcohol withdrawal
J Balldin1, U Berggren, J Engel
1Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Biological Psychiatry
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Alcohol withdrawal reduces the sensitivity of alpha-2-adrenoceptors regulating growth hormone (GH) secretion for at least one week. However, blood pressure regulation receptors show only short-term subsensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alcohol dependence is a chronic relapsing condition.
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) involves complex physiological changes.
- Alpha-2-adrenoceptors play a role in hormonal and cardiovascular regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of alcohol withdrawal on alpha-2-adrenoceptor sensitivity.
- To assess the effects of clonidine on growth hormone (GH), blood pressure, and pulse rate during early alcohol withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- 19 alcohol-dependent patients and 15 healthy controls were studied.
- Clonidine (100 micrograms IV) was administered three times during the first week of alcohol withdrawal.
- Growth hormone, blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured.
Main Results:
- Reduced sensitivity of alpha-2-adrenoceptors involved in GH secretion was observed for at least one week post-alcohol intake.
- Subsensitivity of alpha-2-adrenoceptors regulating blood pressure was very short-lasting.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol withdrawal significantly impacts alpha-2-adrenoceptor function, particularly concerning GH secretion.
- The findings suggest differential recovery patterns for alpha-2-adrenoceptor subtypes involved in hormonal versus cardiovascular regulation during withdrawal.