SERUM GAMMA-GLUTAMYL-TRANSFERASE LEVELS AND BLOOD-PRESSURE FALLS AFTER ALCOHOL MODERATION

Drinkers showing higher serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels tend to have higher blood pressure (BP), independent of the volume of alcohol consumed. To further evaluate the link between alcohol consump tion and elevated serum GGT and BP, we observed BP, serum biochemical parameters, plasma presser hormones and intraplatelet free calcium (Pl t.[Ca2+]i) in 40 moderate drinkers who were composed of four categorie s of 10 each with or without hypertension (greater than or equal to 14 0/90 mmHg) or high serum GGT level (greater than or equal to 50 U/L) d uring four-week alcohol moderation. BP and serum hepatic enzymes inclu ding GGT decreased more conspicuously in both normotensive and hyperte nsive drinkers with high serum GGT. Serum triglyceride was higher and potassium was lower in the drinkers with high serum GGT, and were norm alized during alcohol moderation. Serum calcium, Plt.[Ca2+]i and plasm a renin activity and cortisol showed some decreases during alcohol mod eration, but were not different in the drinkers with different serum G GT and BP levels. No significant changes were observed in plasm catech olamines and aldosterone. These results suggest that BP elevations in moderate drinkers are closely related to hepatic, lipid and electrolyt e metabolic alterations induced by alcohol rather than specific presse r agents.