INFLUENCE OF DOPAMINERGIC TRANSMISSION ON SEVERITY OF WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME IN ALCOHOLISM

Objective: Dysfunction of dopaminergic transmission has been suggested as influencing withdrawal syndrome in alcohol-dependent patients. The refore, dopamine levels and sensitivity of dopamine receptors were cor related with the severity of withdrawal syndrome in 40 alcoholics. Met hod: Dopamine blood plasma levels and apomorphine-induced Growth Hormo ne (GH) release were measured on the first day of detoxification (Day 1) and after 8 days of abstinence (Day 8). Severity of withdrawal synd rome was assessed daily by the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessmen t (CIWA) score. In the 22 patients (out of the 40) treated by chlormet hiazole, severity of withdrawal was measured by the required chlormeth iazole dose. Results: A positive correlation was found between dopamin e levels on Day 1 and the total CDNA score and necessary chlormethiazo le dose, respectively. Correlation with the CIWA score was even strong er when the sensitivity of postsynaptic dopamine receptors was taken i nto account. No significant correlation between dopamine levels on Day 8 and withdrawal syndrome was found. Conclusions: Our findings indica te an influence of dopaminergic transmission on withdrawal syndrome du ring early withdrawal.