Differences in the response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to psychological stress and alcohol as a function of family history of alcoholism

A number of studies have indicated that both genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in determining alcohol consumption. Stress is one environmental factor shown to influence the initiation and continuation of heavy drinking. The present study investigates the differences between high risk (HR) and low risk (LR) subjects for the future development of alcoholism, as determined from their family history, in the response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to stress and alcohol. 20 HR and 20 LR male subjects, between 18--25 years old, participated in five separate experimental sessions: (1) a placebo drink; (2) a drink containing 0.5g alcohol/Kg.B.Wt; (3) a placebo drink and 30 minutes later the performance of a stress inducing task; (4) an alcohol containing drink and 30 minutes later the performance of a stress inducing task; and (5) the performance of a stress inducing task and 30 minutes later an alcohol containing drink. The response of the HPA-axis was determined by measuring the changes in the plasma adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol contents prior to and for four hours following initiation of the treatment. HR subjects presented a lower stress induced increase of plasma ACTH and cortisol contents and a delayed hormone recovery to basal levels. Alcohol consumption prior to the stress task attenuated the stress induced increase in the plasma hormone contents by both LR and HR subjects, while alcohol consumption after the stress task led to a faster return of the hormone contents to basal levels in the HR subjects. Thus, alcohol alters the response of the HPA axis to stress by both the HR and LR subjects. However, there are differences in both, the response of the HPA-axis to stress, and the influence of alcohol consumption on stress responses, as a function of the family history of alcoholism