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Interaction between ethanol and stress on ACTH and beta-endorphin secretion
1Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, Salk Institute, La Jolla, California 92037.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Ethanol administration blunts adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphin release in rats. This study found that ethanol, stress, and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) do not potentiate each other
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Stress Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethanol's effects on the stress response are complex.
- Previous research indicated prolonged stress depletes pituitary ACTH stores.
- The interaction between ethanol, stress, and hormonal responses requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between ethanol, electroshock stress, and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on pituitary hormone secretion.
- To determine if ethanol potentiates or blunts the release of ACTH and beta-endorphin.
- To examine the role of adrenalectomy in modulating these responses.
Main Methods:
- Intraperitoneal ethanol infusion in intact and adrenalectomized rats.
- Exposure to mild, inescapable electroshocks.
- Acute injection of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).
- Measurement of plasma ACTH and beta-endorphin levels.
Main Results:
- Ethanol infusion blunted ACTH and beta-endorphin secretion induced by electroshocks or CRF.
- Prolonged electroshock stress diminished the pituitary response to acute ethanol.
- Ethanol did not significantly alter pituitary ACTH content in intact rats.
- Adrenalectomized rats showed elevated ACTH levels with ethanol and a blunted response to CRF.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol, stress, and CRF do not potentiate each other's effects on ACTH and beta-endorphin secretion.
- Ethanol appears to inhibit the pituitary response to stressors.
- Adrenalectomy influences the hormonal response to ethanol and CRF.