Corticosterone concentrations in mice during ethanol drinking and withdrawal

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neuroscience
• Toxicology

Background:

• Ethanol consumption is known to affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
• The relationship between circulating ethanol levels and glucocorticoid response requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of chronic ethanol consumption on circulating corticosterone concentrations in mice.
• To examine the role of ethanol withdrawal on these hormonal changes.
• To determine the correlation between blood ethanol and glucocorticoid levels.

Main Methods:

• Mice were fed an ethanol-containing diet for a defined period.
• Blood samples were collected to measure corticosterone and corticosterone binding globulin concentrations.
• Ethanol withdrawal symptoms were observed upon removal of ethanol from the diet.

Main Results:

• Circulating corticosterone concentrations significantly increased and were sustained for 8 days during ethanol consumption.
• Plasma corticosterone binding globulin concentrations remained unchanged.
• Ethanol withdrawal led to a further increase in circulating corticosterone.
• No significant correlation was found between blood ethanol and glucocorticoid concentrations during chronic ethanol intake.

Conclusions:

• Chronic ethanol consumption induces a sustained elevation in circulating corticosterone in mice.
• Stress associated with ethanol consumption, rather than blood alcohol levels, appears to be the primary driver of elevated plasma glucocorticoids.
• Ethanol withdrawal exacerbates the stress response, leading to further increases in corticosterone.