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Increased erythrocyte calcium in alcoholism
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Alcohol consumption elevates intraerythrocyte calcium levels in hospitalized patients. These elevated calcium levels normalize over several weeks and may explain reduced erythrocyte potassium in chronic alcoholics.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Alcoholism is associated with various physiological derangements.
- Previous studies have reported altered electrolyte levels, specifically lowered erythrocyte potassium, in chronic alcoholics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intraerythrocyte calcium concentration in hospitalized alcoholic subjects.
- To explore the relationship between alcohol ingestion, erythrocyte calcium, and erythrocyte potassium levels.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 42 hospitalized alcoholic subjects.
- Intraerythrocyte calcium concentration was measured.
- Measurements were taken over a period of several weeks to observe changes.
Main Results:
- Initial intraerythrocyte calcium concentration was found to be elevated in alcoholic subjects.
- Over several weeks, the elevated calcium levels gradually declined toward normal values.
- The observed high calcium levels are considered a direct consequence of prior alcohol ingestion.
Conclusions:
- Elevated intraerythrocyte calcium is a consequence of alcohol ingestion.
- The findings suggest a potential mechanism linking alcohol-induced calcium changes to altered erythrocyte potassium levels via calcium-gated potassium channels.