Family history of alcoholism and hypothalamic opioidergic activity

Author(s): Mangold, D., ElDeiry, S., McCaul, M. E., Hoover, D.

Journal/Book: Arch Gen Psychiat. 1998; 55: 515 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA. Amer Medical Assoc. 1114-1119.

Abstract: Background: This study was designed to assess whether nonalcoholic offspring from families with a high density of alcohol-dependent individuals have altered endogenous central nervous system opioid activity. Naloxone hydrochloride stimulates plasma cortisol by blocking opioidergic input on the corticotropin-releasing factor neuron, thereby providing a noninvasive method for measuring hypothalamic opioid tone. Methods: Forty-eight nonalcoholic subjects aged 18 to 25 years were enrolled in a protocol to measure endogenous opioid activity by inducing opioid receptor blockade with the receptor antagonist, naloxone. Twenty-six subjects were offspring from families with a high density of alcohol dependence and were designated as family history-positive subjects. Twenty-two subjects were biological offspring of nonalcohol-dependent parents and designated as family history-negative subjects. Subjects received naloxone hydrochloride (0, 125; and 375 mu g/kg) in double-blind, randomized order. Serum cortisol levels were monitored. Results: Family history-negative subjects had a graded cortisol response to each dose of naloxone. In contrast, family history-positive subjects achieved a maximal cortisol response to the 125-mu g/kg dose of nalaxone hydrochloride with no further increase in cortisol levels observed following the 375-mu g/kg dose. Family history-negative subjects had a diminished cortisol response to the 125-mu g/kg dose compared with the family history-positive subjects. Plasma naloxone concentrations did not differ between family history groups. Conclusions: Individuals from families with a high density of alcohol dependence are more sensitive to naloxone compared with offspring of nonalcohol-dependent parents. This implies that individuals with a family history of alcohol dependence have diminished endogenous hypothalamic opioid activity.

Note: Article Wand GS, Johns Hopkins Univ, Sch Med, Ross Res Bldg, Room 850, 720 Rutland Ave, Baltimore,MD 21205 USA

Keyword(s): PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS; HIGH-RISK; ETHANOL; NALOXONE; DEPENDENCE; RATS; CONSUMPTION; NALTREXONE; SONS; MEN

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