J Korean Soc Biol Psychiatry.  1998 Jun;5(1):107-113.

The Relation of Onset-Age and beta-Endorphin Levels in Alcohol Dependence

• Jeong HY
• Park IJ
• Kim JM
• Jin HH

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the relation of onset-age and plasma level of beta-endorphin, Ethanol, beta-endorphin, cortisol and blood glucose were compared in 48 male alcoholics and 29 normal controls.
METHODS
Alcoholics are divided into two groups by onset-age of alcoholism. Blood samples were obtained before and after 0.75gm/kg of ethanol consumption at the 7th admission day.
RESULTS
1) The ratio of onset-age before 25 years to after 25 years of the patients group was 2 to 3. 2) There was no significant difference in age at admission between two patient groups. 3) There was no significant difference in change of plasma ethanol levels among three groups. 4) There was no significant difference in change of plasma beta-endorphin levels among three groups. 5) There was no significant difference in change of plasma cortisol levels among three groups. 6) There was no significant difference in change of fasting blood sugar levels among two patient groups.

MeSH Terms

Alcoholics
Alcoholism*
beta-Endorphin*
Blood Glucose
Ethanol
Fasting
Humans
Hydrocortisone
Male
Plasma
Blood Glucose
Ethanol
Hydrocortisone
beta-Endorphin