[Lymphocyte adenylate cyclase activity in alcoholics].

Abstract

Lymphocyte adenylate cyclase (AC) activity in alcoholics was examined. Gpp(NH)p-stimulated AC activity was not altered in lymphocyte membranes from alcoholics in acute withdrawal state. In the case of long-term abstinent alcoholics, who maintained abstinence from alcohol for at least one year, lymphocyte Gpp(NH)p-stimulated AC activity was slightly reduced but not significantly. However, the extent of AC activity induced by 250 mM ethanol in vitro, in the presence of Gpp(NH)p, was significantly reduced in lymphocyte membrane from long-term abstinent alcoholics. These results indicate that lymphocyte AC activity is a biological marker for alcoholics.