Differential changes of blood and urinary indoleamines following intravenous ethanol administration in alcoholic and...

Total blood serotonin (5-HT) and the urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) were measured before and after intravenous administration of 0.65 g/kg ethanol to nine chronic alcoholic female patients. Changes were compared to those obtained in twelve age-matched non-drinker neurotic or hysteric women. The two groups showed different pattern of indoleamine response to ethanol: alcoholics reacted by a reduction of 5-HIAA ouput in the urine, while controls showed no change in the 5-HIAA excretion but a marked fall of blood serotonin. Urinary 5-HTOL excretion increased equally in both groups. Despite these biochemical variations, behavioral responses to ethanol were indistinguishable in the two groups. The results indicate that chronic alcoholism leads to permanent changes of the biogenic amine metabolism.