Effects of Ethanol Intoxication and Hangover on Plasma Levels of Thromboxane B2 and 6-Keto-Prostaglandin F1α and on Thromboxane B2 Formation by Platelets in Man

Abstract

Summary We detected a significant decrease in plasma thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-keto-PGF1α) levels together with a significant increase in plasma 6-keto-PGF1α/TXB2 ratio in young healthy non-alcoholic male volunteers after acute ingestion of ethanol (1.5 g/kg). Paradoxically, during ethanol intoxication and the following hangover a significant increase in ADP-induced formation of TXB2 by platelet rich plasma could be observed, which suggests that ethanol intoxication via some unknown mechanism sensitizes platelets to produce TXB2. Whether these observations contribute to the increased risks of subarachnoid haemorrhage or ischaemic brain infarction among occasional heavy drinkers recently described by us remains to be proved.