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Neuroendocrine Evidence for Reduced Dopamine Receptor Sensitivity in Alcoholism
Author(s) -
Balldin Jan I.,
Berggren Ulf C.,
Lindstedt Göran
Publication year - 1992
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.1530-0277.1992.tb00639.x
Subject(s) - dopamine , sensitivity (control systems) , dopamine receptor d3 , dopamine receptor , dopamine receptor d2 , neuroscience , medicine , psychology , engineering , electronic engineering
Postsynaptic dopamine (DA) receptor sensitivity was assessed during abstinence in 15 male patients with alcohol dependence. The DA receptor sensitivity was evaluated using growth hormone (GH) responses to the DA receptor agonist apomorphine (0.18–0.24 mg intravenously). The patients were cared for in an alcoholism treatment unit for the 2 months prior to the investigation. They were carefully controlled for sobriety during this period. Thirteen healthy men were used as controls. The maximum GH responses to apomorphine were significantly reduced in patients compared with those in the control group. The patients had a significantly higher proportion of blunted GH responses. The findings suggest reduced postsynaptic DA, possibly D 2 , receptor sensitivity in abstinent alcoholics. The question whether this abnormal DA receptor status is genetically determined or acquired after long‐term alcohol consumption remains to be addressed.