EFFECT OF ACUTE ALCOHOL INGESTION ON MINERAL METABOLISM AND OSTEOBLASTIC FUNCTION

Alcohol abuse can induce osteopenia in some subjects. In order to stud y the effect of a single dose of alcohol on mineral metabolism and ost eoblastic function, we have measured calcium, phosphate, parathyroid h ormone midmolecule (PTHm), parathyroid hormone intact molecule (PTHi) and bone-glaprotein (BGP) in serum of 8 healthy men after the ingestio n of a single dose of alcohol (0.6 g/kg body weight). Urinary calcium and magnesium were also measured. After alcohol intake, both serum PTH m and PTHi were decreased, as well as serum BGP. Serum phosphate and u rinary calcium and magnesium were increased. An inverse significant co rrelation was found between PTHi and serum phosphate (r = 0.42; P < 0. 02). Our data show that acute alcohol ingestion lowers serum PTH and B GP in humans, suggesting an inhibitory effect on parathyroid and osteo blastic function. These changes and the alcohol-induced transient hype rcalciuria could contribute to the development of bone disease associa ted with chronic alcohol abuse.