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Effect of Acute Ethanol Intake and Hangover on the Levels of Plasma and Urinary Catecholamines and Lymphocytic β‐Adrenergic Receptors
Author(s) -
Heikkonen Erkki,
Mäki Tiina,
Kontula Kimmo,
Ylikahri Reino,
Härkönen Matti
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
alcoholism: clinical and experimental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 153
eISSN - 1530-0277
pISSN - 0145-6008
DOI - 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1989.tb00277.x
Subject(s) - endocrinology , medicine , normetanephrine , catecholamine , epinephrine , chemistry , adrenergic , receptor , excretion , anaerobic exercise , ethanol , homovanillic acid , adrenergic receptor , biochemistry , physiology , serotonin
To determine whether acute ethanol administration affects the function of the adrenergic system the concentrations of plasma catecholamines and cyclic AMP (CAMP), the level of lymphocytic β‐receptors, the concentration of basal and isoproterenol‐stimulated lymphocytic cAMP and the excretion of urinary catecholamine metabolites were studied in six healthy men. These parameters were also measured during the hangover, both under resting condition and during an anaerobic ergometer exercise. Acute intake of ethanol (1.5 g/kg body weight) had no statistically significant effect either on plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations or β‐adrenergic receptor levels. Ethanol consumption did neither change the urinary excretion of catecholamine metabolites (homovanillic acid, normetanephrine, metanephrine, and 3‐methoxyhydroxymandelic acid). Exercise was associated with a 6‐10‐fold elevation in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations and with a two‐ to threefold elevation on β‐adrenergic receptor levels. This effect of exercise was not modified by preceding alcohol intake and resulting hangover. These preliminary findings suggest that acute alcohol intake does not significantly alter the concentration and functioning of human β‐adrenergic receptors.