Mechanism of ethanol-induced adrenal stimulation

A historical review of studies addressing the adrenal cortical response to ethanol and the mechanisms thought to contribute to such responses is presented. Studies reviewed range from the earliest based upon crude bioassay techniques to more modern papers which have utilized highly specific radioimmunoassay techniques and isolated perfused rat adrenal glands. Evidence for both hypothalamic-pituitary as well as direct adrenal stimulation is presented. Available evidence, however, would suggest that acetaldehyde rather than ethanol per se, is responsible for direct adrenal stimulation when it occurs.