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Chlorpropamide alcohol flush and circulating met-enkephalin: a positive link
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|October 10, 1981
Summary
Chlorpropamide-alcohol flushing syndrome (CPAF) may involve endogenous opiates. This study found that chlorpropamide significantly increased met-enkephalin levels in diabetic patients and normal subjects, suggesting a role for these opiates in CPAF.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chlorpropamide-alcohol flushing syndrome (CPAF) is a known phenomenon.
- The underlying mechanism of CPAF is not fully understood.
- Endogenous opiates, such as met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin, have been hypothesized to play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential involvement of endogenous opiates in chlorpropamide-alcohol flushing.
- To measure plasma met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin levels in response to alcohol with and without chlorpropamide.
Main Methods:
- Six patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes and six normal subjects were studied.
- Plasma met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin levels were measured after alcohol consumption, with and without prior chlorpropamide administration.
- Facial temperature was also monitored.
Main Results:
- Chlorpropamide administration led to a significant increase in plasma met-enkephalin concentrations in both diabetic patients and normal subjects.
- Alcohol consumption alone, without chlorpropamide, did not alter met-enkephalin levels.
- No significant changes in beta-endorphin levels or facial temperature were observed in response to the interventions.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that endogenous opiates, particularly met-enkephalin, may be implicated in the pathophysiology of chlorpropamide-alcohol flushing.
- This study provides the first evidence of a significant change in circulating met-enkephalin values associated with this phenomenon.