[Neuroendocrine regulation of immunogenesis in alcoholism]

The effect of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), prolactin and somatotropin (STH) on the immune system was studied in 18 alcoholic patients. An increase in the level of ACTH, prolactin and the suppression of STH secretion and cellular immunity (especially T-suppressors) were noted in the patients. The use of L-dopa reducing the levels of ACTH and prolactin led to the improvement of indices of cellular immunity and the patients' clinical status. On the contrary, haloperidol increasing prolactin and ACTH secretion and suppressing STH secretion resulted in the deterioration of indices of cellular immunity and the patients' clinical status.