[Endogenous ethanol and its possible participation in the activity of the central nervous system in healthy subjects...

Blood concentrations of endogenous ethanol (EE) reflects the effects of various psychic and medicinal impacts. EE levels in alcoholic patients depend on the severity of alcoholism, emotional status and efficacy of treatment. Actualization of the pathologic craving for alcohol and other types of emotional excitement are attended by reduced EE concentrations whereas the disactualization of the pathological craving for alcohol and relaxation increase the EE levels. Stabilization of alcoholic patients' clinical status is attended by stabilization of EE values. It is suggested that acetaldehyde acts as a modulator of catecholamine levels both in normal subjects and alcoholics ensuring connection between EE levels and the status of the central nervous system.