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Alcohol withdrawal and dopamine receptor sensitivity after prolonged abstinence
G A Wiesbeck1, E Davids, N Wodarz
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Wuerzburg, Germany.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Alcohol dependence is linked to reduced dopamine receptor function, indicated by a blunted human growth hormone (HGH) response to apomorphine. This effect appears related to alcohol dependence itself, not withdrawal severity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcohol dependence is a complex condition with neurobiological underpinnings.
- Dopamine receptor function is implicated in alcohol use disorders.
- Previous research suggests alterations in neuroendocrine responses in individuals with alcohol dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess dopamine receptor sensitivity in male inpatients with alcohol dependence.
- To investigate the relationship between alcohol withdrawal severity and neuroendocrine responses.
- To determine if dopamine receptor function is altered in alcohol dependence.
Main Methods:
- Neuroendocrinological assessment of dopamine receptor sensitivity using apomorphine to stimulate human growth hormone (HGH) release.
- Study included 44 male inpatients with moderate to severe alcohol dependence and 14 healthy controls.
- Patients were classified into groups based on alcohol withdrawal symptom severity.
Main Results:
- A blunted HGH response to apomorphine was observed in alcohol-dependent individuals compared to controls.
- This significant difference disappeared when controls were excluded, indicating the effect is specific to alcohol dependence.
- No significant correlation was found between HGH release and covariates like age, weight, drinking quantity, or duration of dependence.
Conclusions:
- Reduced dopamine receptor function, as assessed by blunted HGH response to apomorphine, is associated with alcohol dependence.
- The severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms does not appear to influence this neuroendocrine response.
- These findings suggest that dopamine system alterations in alcohol dependence are related to the dependence itself, rather than the acute withdrawal phase.