Differences in the Peripheral Levels of ??-endorphin in Response to Alcohol and Stress as a Function of Alcohol Dependence and Family History of Alcoholism

Abstract

The present data indicates that there are differences in both, the basal plasma beta-endorphin levels as well as the response of the pituitary beta-endorphin to stress as a function of family history of alcoholism and alcohol dependence. Thus, in HR individuals a dysfunction in the activity of the pituitary beta-endorphin system predates the development of alcoholism, while in LR individuals it develops following alcohol dependence. Furthermore, alcohol dependence did not alter the alcohol-induced attenuation of beta-endorphin response to stress.