Effect of chronic alcohol feeding on adrenergic and cholinergic neurotransmission mechanism

Experimental data is presented indicating that chronic alcohol consumption in rats has a direct CNS effect resulting in increased activity of the autonomic nervous outflow. Changes in neurohormonal transmitters have been demonstrated in four organs: salivary glands, spleen, adrenals and heart. These changes may account for the alterations in end organ sensitivity and secretory patterns which occur in alcoholic animals and man. They may, moreover, represent an initial pathogenetic mechanism whereby alcohol induces its various clinical syndromes.