Chronic Effects Of Alcohol Research Articles

The effect of chronic alcohol treatment on the radial maze performance of rats.

The effect of chronic alcohol drinking on maze behaviour was studied in laboratory rats. Thirteen animals received 20% alcohol for 15 weeks ad libitum, and 18 were kept under identical conditions drinking tap water. Both groups were then tested twice within one day for performance in an 8 arm radial maze after 48 h fluid deprivation. Reinforcing fluid droplets were placed at the end of each arm only at the beginning of the test. Total and erroneous entries to the arms, total time spent until reaching the criterion, and strategy of arm choice was recorded for each animal. Activity of the groups did not differ significantly, nor were differences in choosing strategy found. Alcoholic rats, however, showed a significant loss of performance in the second test: they frequently entered arms already visited, and in a number of cases were unable to complete the test within time. These and earlier findings suggest no impairment of learning ability or short term memory, but rather some kind of rigidity and invariability of behaviour.

Effect of chronic alcoholism on semen—studies on lipid profiles

The effect of chronic alcoholism on various seminal parameters (sperm concentration, rate of forward motility, percentage of abnormal spermatozoa, lipid profiles of seminal plasma and spermatozoa) was studied together with the serum levels of testosterone and oestradiol. In chronic alcoholics there was a marked reduction in sperm concentration and in the rate of their forward motility, and increase in the number of spermatozoa with morphological abnormalities when compared to age-matched normal fertile subjects. Serum levels of testosterone were decreased while oestradiol levels were increased in chronic alcoholic men. Studies of lipid profiles showed a marked decrease in the total phospholipid concentration in spermatozoa, primarily in sphingomyelin, phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine fractions. The cholesterol:phospholipid ratio in spermatozoa was increased in alcoholics. In the seminal plasma of chronic alcoholics, there was a decrease in total lipid, in glyceride glycerol and in free and esterified cholesterol. Of the phospholipid classes, sphingomyelin and phosphatidyl ethanolamine showed a significant reduction. In general, the present study provides evidence for the adverse effects of chronic alcoholism on serum hormones, sperm count, morphology, motility and seminal lipid profiles. These may be responsible for the fertility disorders common in chronic alcoholics.

Human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) priming/activation by acute ethanol intoxication.

The effects of chronic alcoholism on susceptibility to infections are well documented. Less is known on the effect of sporadic acute ingestion of ethanol on the immune system. One should not assume that it induces neutrophil function deficiency in vivo. One example of upregulation caused by ethanol treatment was described by Dorio (1): in vitro ethanol treatment of rat macrophages causes an acute rise in intracellular calcium, stimulates a small amount of Superoxide production, but it also inhibits concanavalin A- and phorbol ester-induced Superoxide formation. Acute ingestion of ethanol has been shown to affect some, but not all PMN functions: decreased adherence to surfaces, decreased delivery to inflammation sites, but no abnormality of chemotaxis, Superoxide generation, bacterial killing, or intracellular cAMP and cGMP levels (2,3). In other experimental studies in mice, both low dose (1 mg/Kg) and high dose (4 mg/Kg of body weight) of ethanol increased the number of sticking or plugging PMNs in sinusoids of the liver (4). A small decrease in phagocytosis has been detected by some (3), but not by others (2).

Ethanol and human saliva: effect of chronic alcoholism on flow rate, composition, and epidermal growth factor.

Parotid saliva samples from 24 alcoholic subjects without evidence of cirrhosis were analyzed for changes in flow rate, composition, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) secretion. Mean (+/- SE) stimulated parotid saliva flow rate (ml/min/gland) was significantly (p less than 0.01) lower in alcoholic subjects than in matched control subjects. Reduction in parotid saliva flow rate was associated with significant (p less than 0.05) decrease in total protein and amylase secretion in this group of patients. In addition, secretion of immunoreactive EGF, a specific salivary protein, was also markedly reduced (p less than 0.05) in alcoholic patients. None of the parotid saliva samples from the alcoholic subjects had detectable bioactivity of EGF in saliva. These data suggest that chronic alcohol ingestion is associated with significant changes in parotid saliva secretion and its composition, which may perpetuate and compound ethanol-induced injury to the upper gastrointestinal tract.

D2 dopamine receptor gene is associated but not linked with alcoholism

There has been intense interest in replicating the 1990 report in<i>JAMA</i>that the minor allele of<i>DRD2</i>(the D₂dopamine receptor gene on human chromosome 11 at q22-q23) may increase susceptibility to severe alcoholism in some cases. In May 1990 Blum et al¹reported that 24 (69%) of 35 alcoholics carried the Al allele of<i>DRD2</i>compared with only seven (20%) of 35 nonalcoholics. Their analysis was based on brain tissue of deceased subjects, and the alcoholics were described as having experienced repeated treatment failures in their alcoholism rehabilitation, with their deaths attributable primarily to the chronic damaging effects of alcohol. It was surprising that a single gene could be so strongly associated with a common disorder that is known to be developmentally complex and genetically heterogeneous.²Accordingly, there was caution and skepticism about the report because of its small sample size and the surprising strength

D2 Dopamine Receptor Gene Is Associated but Not Linked With Alcoholism

There has been intense interest in replicating the 1990 report in JAMA that the minor allele of DRD2 (the D 2 dopamine receptor gene on human chromosome 11 at q22-q23) may increase susceptibility to severe alcoholism in some cases. In May 1990 Blum et al 1 reported that 24 (69%) of 35 alcoholics carried the Al allele of DRD2 compared with only seven (20%) of 35 nonalcoholics. Their analysis was based on brain tissue of deceased subjects, and the alcoholics were described as having experienced repeated treatment failures in their alcoholism rehabilitation, with their deaths attributable primarily to the chronic damaging effects of alcohol. It was surprising that a single gene could be so strongly associated with a common disorder that is known to be developmentally complex and genetically heterogeneous. 2 Accordingly, there was caution and skepticism about the report because of its small sample size and the surprising strength

Effects of Alcohol on β‐Endorphin and Reproductive Hormones in the Male Rat

In an attempt to examine the relationship between alcohol-induced alterations in immunoreactive beta-endorphin (i-beta E) levels in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the synthesis and release of reproductive hormones, male rats were treated with either an acute intraperitoneal injection of alcohol or were chronically exposed to an alcohol-containing liquid diet. Hypothalamic, pituitary, serum, and testicular levels of immunoreactive beta-endorphin (i-beta E) and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were measured at various times after initiation of these treatments. Testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) volumes and levels of TIF i-beta E and testosterone were also measured 4 hr after acute treatment as an index of testicular release of these substances. Acute alcohol decreased pituitary levels of i-beta E and increased serum levels of the peptide for up to 1 hr after its injection, but did not alter hypothalamic or testicular levels. Acute alcohol markedly increased TIF i-beta E and decreased TIF testosterone and TIF volume. Sharp decreases in serum LH and testosterone were observed in association with these acute changes in i-beta E levels in the pituitary, blood, and testes. During chronic alcohol exposure serum testosterone levels were substantially depressed, but tolerance appeared to develop quickly to the chronic effects of alcohol on serum LH. Similarly, tolerance to alcohol's effects on i-beta E levels in the pituitary and serum also appeared to develop during chronic alcohol administration. However, hypothalamic and testicular i-beta E levels were markedly suppressed by chronic alcohol administration in contrast to the lack of effect observed after acute alcohol administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Nutritional Research

In conclusion, muscle and liver 31P MRS can be used to assess energy state in various nutritional conditions and to follow different metabolic changes induced by modification of substrate availability. 31P MRS studies of humans and animals suggest that fasting and low caloric intake reduce the oxidative metabolism "efficiency" of muscle during exercise and produce a better bioenergetic state at rest. Liver studies during fasting also indicate a lower energy state. Acute supplements of substrate to working muscle that is affected by a metabolic disease can improve its energy metabolism as observed by 31P MRS. Modification of diets in patients with a metabolic disease can also be followed by this technique, thereby aiding the clinical evaluation of therapies. The acute and chronic effects of alcohol, which reduce the energy metabolism of liver, are another example of nutritional problems studied by 31P MRS both in humans and animal models. A valuable aid in nutritional research, especially in humans, 31P MRS is noninvasive and can be repeated without harmful effects.

Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors on platelets in chronic and detoxified alcoholics

The effect of chronic alcoholism and detoxification treatment with disulfiram on platelet peripheral benzodiazepine receptors was studied in alcoholic males. Chronic consumption of alcohol did not alter the binding values for [ 3H]PK 11195, as compared to non-alcoholics. Treatment for 3 weeks with disulfiram resulted in a significant increase in the density of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, with no alteration in the affinity of these sites to the ligand. These results might be relevant to the cellular and metabolic effects of disulfiram.

Alcohol and the Small Intestine

Several alterations of the small-intestinal morphology and function have been documented after alcohol ingestion. There are morphologic changes macroscopically and microscopically after acute alcohol administration in the proximal part of the small intestine, which are quickly reversible. There are no macroscopic changes and, in most patients, very discrete light microscopic changes in the small intestine after chronic alcohol ingestion. The ultrastructural changes are, however, profound, as seen by both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The permeability is probably increased, permitting entrance of possible noxious agents, which may explain some of the extraintestinal tissue damage observed in chronic alcoholism. The transit is increased, at least after acute alcohol administration, perhaps contributing to the diarrhea commonly seen after heavy drinking. Several of the enzymes located in the brush border are affected; lactase activity can be depressed and perhaps result in a transient milk intolerance in predisposed individuals. The activity of GGT is increased and may partly account for the GGT elevation in serum after heavy drinking. Other enzymes, such as Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, can be inhibited and result in a decreased absorption of substances that require active, energy-dependent transport mechanisms. The secretion of water and electrolytes may be increased (an effect on cAMP?). The absorption of several nutrients, vitamins, and other elements is disturbed. The bacterial flora is increased and changed, which may give rise to symptoms and also increase the production of acetaldehyde by bacterial metabolism of ethanol. Acetaldehyde is more toxic than ethanol, and an increased concentration of acetaldehyde can possibly accentuate the damage to the liver and other organs. The bacterial overgrowth can possibly cause endotoxinemia. Although studies on alcohol-related intestinal alterations have been relatively sparse, the acute and chronic effects of alcohol thus seem to be considerable. From available results it is, however, difficult to draw any definite conclusions about the clinical importance of many of the findings. Future research will need to study the relationship between, for example, the chronic morphologic changes, the absorptive dysfunction, and permeability alterations, on the one hand, and the gastrointestinal symptoms, the extraintestinal damage, and various deficiencies, on the other hand.

Oral effects of chronic alcoholism

British Journal of AddictionVolume 85, Issue 12 p. 1664-1665 Free Access Oral effects of chronic alcoholism J. SCOTT, J. SCOTT Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Liverpool, PO Box 147, Liverpool 169 3BX, UK.Search for more papers by this author J. SCOTT, J. SCOTT Department of Clinical Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Liverpool, PO Box 147, Liverpool 169 3BX, UK.Search for more papers by this author First published: December 1990 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1990.tb01659.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. References Abelson, D. C., Mandel, I. D. & Karmiol, M. (1975) Salivary studies in alcoholic cirrhosis, Oral Surgery, 41, pp 188– 192. Dutta, S. K., Dukenhart, M., Narang, A. & Latham, P. S. (1989) Functional and structural changes in parotid glands of alcoholic cirrhotic patients, Gastro-enterology, 96, pp 510– 518. Gupta, P.C. (1984) Epidemiologic study of the association between alcohol habits and oral leukoplakia, Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 12, pp 47– 50. Robb, N. (1990) Alcohol and the dentist, British Journal of Addiction, 85, p 437. Rothmann, K. J. & Keller, A. Z. (1972) The effect of joint exposure to alcohol and tobacco on risk of cancer of the mouth and pharynx, Journal of Chronic Disease, 25, pp 711– 716. Scott, J., Burns, J. & Flower, E. A. (1988) Histological analysis of parotid and submandibular glands in chronic alcohol abuse: a necropsy study, Journal of Clinical Pathology, 41, pp 837– 840. Scott, J., Berry, M. & Woods, K. (1989a) Effects of acute ethanol administration on stimulated parotid secretion in the rat, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 13, pp 560– 563. Scott, J., Woods, K. & Baxter, P. (1989b) Salivary flow rate, protein and electrolyte concentrations in chronic alcoholic patients, Journal de Biologic Buccale, 16, pp 215– 218. Valentine, J. A., Scott, J., West, C. R. & St. Hill, C. A. (1985) A histological analysis of the early effects of alcohol and tobacco usage on human lingual epithelium, Journal of Oral Pathology, 14, pp 654– 665. Wynder, E. L., Bross, I. J. & Fieldman, R. M. (1957) A study of the etiological factors in cancer of the mouth, Cancer, 10, pp 1300– 1323. Volume85, Issue12December 1990Pages 1664-1665 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Effects of chronic Alcoholism on hemispheric functioning: An examination of gender differences for cognitive and dichotic listening tasks

A pattern of intact verbal abilities and impaired visuospatial abilities has led to a hypothesis of alcohol-induced right-hemisphere dysfunction in male chronic alcoholics. The applicability of this hypothesis to chronic female alcoholics was examined by administering the WAIS-R, Stark Paired Associates Tasks, and dichotic listening tasks to 15 male and 10 female alcoholics and 15 male and 10 female controls of similar age and education. Alcoholics had significantly lower Full Scale IQ scores on the WAIS-R but neither sex had a Verbal-Performance IQ difference indicative of right-hemisphere dysfunction. Male alcoholics showed deficits on both the Verbal and Visuospatial Stark Tasks, the deficit being greater on the Visuospatial Task. Male alcoholics showed an increased right-ear superiority on the verbal dichotic listening task and a decreased left-ear superiority on the musical dichotic listening task, both indicative of right-hemisphere dysfunction. The results, except for the WAIS-R, support the hypothesis that male but not female chronic alcoholics exhibit right-hemisphere dysfunction. Females, alcoholic or not, appear to be less lateralized in function.

Chronic alcoholism and male sexual dysfunction

Chronic alcoholism can profoundly influence marital relationships, but the nature of the effect of alcohol abuse on sexual interactions is not clear. This article critically reviews information on the prevalence of sexual disorders and possible endocrine, neurologic, and psychologic processes that may mediate the effects of chronic alcoholism on male sexual functioning. Emphasis is placed on a conceptual model that integrates biologic and psychologic perspectives, moving away from simplistic unidimensional approaches to the study of the behavioral effects of this serious medical and social problem.

Acute, Withdrawal, and Chronic Alcohol Effects in Man: Event-Related Potential and Quantitative EEG Techniques

The results presented here strongly suggest that quantitative electroencephalography and event-related potentials are excellent research tools and may be clinically useful as non-invasive monitors of psychotropic drug action and encephalopathies. Our initial data with acute mild alcohol intoxication show that acute tolerance may be reflected in qEEG but not in P3 latency. Since predictably some brain functions may show tolerance, and others not, these approaches may be useful probes. The amplitude of N1-P2 appears to differentiate alcoholics with and without a history of withdrawal seizures. This technique may thus prove useful in determining treatment and monitoring treatment effects in alcohol withdrawal. P3 latency appears to be normal in Korsakoff's syndrome, unlike in Alzheimer's disease. The combination of the event-related potentials with neuropsychology and magnetic resonance imaging scans should be invaluable for future research in these patient groups. Many patients with severe liver disease superficially appear mentally intact. The event-related potential and quantitative electroencephalography findings we have demonstrated may indicate those at greater risk for alterations in brain functioning. These techniques may also prove useful in diagnosing other "subclinical" encephalopathies and further our understanding of the underlying brain pathophysiology.

Genetics of Responses to Drugs of Abuse

Genetic differences in drug metabolism, in the number of drug receptors in the brain, and in drug-seeking behavior may contribute to the variability of individual responses to drugs of abuse. Genetic models include inbred strains, mutants, sublines, and selectively bred mice and rats. They have been used to examine acute and chronic effects of narcotics, stimulants, and alcohol as well as drug-seeking behavior, withdrawal syndromes, and the stress-induced release of endogenous opioids. These genetic models should prove helpful in defining individual differences in susceptibility to addiction.

Positron Emission Tomography as a Technique for Studying the Chronic Effects of Alcohol on the Human Brain

Positron emission tomography is a neuroradiographic imaging technique that is beginning to be used to study cerebral pathophysiology in detoxified alcoholics. Localized cerebral glucose utilization in alcoholics at rest is not dramatically affected in comparison to the relatively large alterations in anatomic structure, cognition, and brain electrical activity. It is anticipated that future research studies will include cognitive challenges and utilization of PET ligands being developed to bind to specific receptors in the brain.

The effects of acute and chronic alcoholism on tumor necrosis factor and the inflammatory response.

Ethanol intoxication has been shown to suppress selected functions of the immune system, thereby compromising host defenses against bacterial infections. Because the macrophage secretory protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), plays a central role in the inflammatory cascade, the effect of acute and chronic alcoholism on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF activity was studied. Saline or ethanol was given intraperitoneally to normal or chronic alcoholic rats followed 30 min later by either intravenous or intratracheal LPS. Intravenous LPS caused a substantial increase in serum TNF at 90 min in both normal and chronic alcoholic rats. In marked contrast, peak serum TNF levels were significantly suppressed in normal and chronic alcoholic rats given an acute injection of ethanol. When LPS was instilled intratracheally into normal rats, high levels of TNF appeared in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Similar levels of TNF were found in chronic alcoholic rats after intratracheal LPS. However, acute ethanol intoxication significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In a similar manner, acute ethanol intoxication, but not chronic alcohol consumption, markedly inhibited both systemic and intrapulmonary polymorphonuclear leukocyte aggregation in response to either intravenous or intratracheal LPS. Alcohol-induced inhibition of TNF is a potential mechanism of the antiinflammatory effects of ethanol.

Alcoholism as Willful Misconduct-Reply

In Reply.— Fortunately for recovering alcoholic veterans, US Congress enacted legislation on Oct 20 providing that the disabling effects of chronic alcoholism shall not be considered to be result of willful for determining eligibility for a time extension to utilize GI Bill education benefits. This moots recent Supreme Court decision. By eliminating willful misconduct label, Congress has removed one more inaccurate and stigmatizing characterization of America's leading drug problem.

Acute and chronic effects of alcohol use on violence.

While the empirical association of drinking and problem drinking to violence is well established, the etiological nature of the relationship is poorly understood. Using data collected from 1,149 convicted male felons, the acute (drinking just before the violent event) and chronic (a psychiatric diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence) effects of alcohol use on violence were analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship of acute and chronic alcohol effects to incarceration for a violent offense and arrest for a violent offense, with demographic and criminal history factors controlled. The acute effects of alcohol were found to be significantly associated with incarceration for a violent offense, but the net explanatory capacity of acute alcohol effects was not large. Chronic alcohol effects were not significantly associated with incarceration for a violent offense or arrest for a violent offense in the previous year. The findings were interpreted as being consistent with the hypothesis that alcohol effects violence directly, acting through the acute effects of use, rather than indirectly through the effects of underlying or mediating factors.

Cyclo(HIS-PRO) and the development of tolerance to the hypothermic effect of ethanol

Acute intraperitoneal administration of ethanol to rats causes a dose-dependent transient hypothermia. On repeated exposure, however, rats develop tolerance to hypothermic effects of ethanol. Cyclo(His-Pro), an endogenous brain peptide, modifies both acute and chronic themomodulatory effects of alcohol. For example, a) acute pretreatment of rats with increasing amounts of cyclo(His-Pro) produces a progressive decrease in ethanol hypothermia, and b) chronic cyclo(His-Pro) administration augments the development of tolerance to hypothermic effects of alcohol. While the mechanism of cyclo(His-Pro) action is not clear, these data are interpreted to suggest that this peptide may play important roles in ethanol intoxication, preference, tolerance, and/or addiction.