Adenosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate, calcium and magnesium excretion in ethanol intoxication and hangover

Effect of ethanol on adenosine 3', 5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) excretion was studied in controlled clinical conditions in man. Seven male volunteers served as their own controls. In 5 subjects cAMP excretion was primarily suppressed by ethanol. Ethanol appeared to have a biphasic effect on Ca excretion, an initial stimulation followed by a conservation phase. Mg excretion was stimulated by ethanol in 5 subjects. Subjects having nausea and vomitus and the most severe hangover symptoms had the lowest urinary Ca excretion and the lowest imitial cAMP excretion. Ca and Mg metabolism and the susceptibility of the body to the toxic effects of ethanol appeared to be interrelated.