ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prolactin and cortisol responses to 5-HT 1A receptor activation by buspirone in alcoholics. METHODS: The subjects were twenty two male alcoholic patients meeting the DSM-IV criteria for alcohol dependency and abstaining for more than 3 months. Patients were free from overt anxiety and depressive symptoms. Controls were fifteen male normal volunteers, with no psychiatric and medical illness. Blood samples for the measurement of serum cortisol and prolactin levels were drawn 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 minutes after oral administration of 30mg buspirone hydrochloride at 9:00 a.m. RESULTS: The baseline cortisol levels were not significantly different between alcoholics and controls. Serum cortisol levels of controls after buspirone administration were significantly increased over time(p<0.01), but those of alcoholics did not increased. After 60 minutes following buspirone administration, cortisol levels were significantly lower in alcoholics than in controls(p<0.05). Prolactin responses to buspirone were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLULSION: Our results suggested that 5-HT 1A receptor function is decreased in alcoholic patients.