In this study, rats were given high doses of ethanol while observing brain venules with intravenous microscopes. The researchers found that leukocyte adhesion and rolling velocity were increased, and decreased respectively proportionally to ethanol dose. They also observed a concentration dependent relationship between ethanol levels and microvascular rupture. These effects were quite disturbing even in concentrations that would render someone unable to drive under law (~0.08%). That is, assuming that rats share similar concentration/subjective intoxication relationships with humans.
This study, and several other related studies seem to highlight that repeated binge drinking can result in significant immune dysregulation at the blood brain barrier. Of great interest, is that depletion of circulating leukocytes seems to offer a protective effect against the microvascular damage.
I find it interesting that alcohol induces such a marked pro-inflammatory state, and will definitely have me thinking twice when the time comes to order either another drink or a water. Any thoughts?
Sources: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6429973/sdarticle.pdf
Who would of thought drinking could have so many negative side affects?! :P So basically what i'm taking from this is that dumb people who binge drink are getting dumber because they binge drink?! What a sad and vicious cycle!
ReplyDeleteI think this article is very interesting but, as it mentioned, solely depends on if humans and rats share similar intoxication relationships. I think a study that could compare the consequences of alcohol intoxication in both rats and humans (taking into account mass, gender, etc) would be very beneficial (and fun!)
Regarding the decreased leukocytes giving protective effects, I think it makes sense. Of course, if you decrease inflammatory cells, your going to get less inflammation. But as we have seen many times already, when is it appropriate to interfere with our bodies natural defenses? I dont think binge drinking is something that our body was intended to deal with so it dosn't surprise me that we dont have a perfect mechanism to fix it.
So to sum up this public health announcement: be smart, be safe, and don't binge drink!
I agree with Alfonso -- the information gathered from this experiment is dependent on whether or not humans share similar intoxication relationships with rats. I think a study comparing and contrasting the effects of excess alcohol on rats and humans would be interesting as well. I also have a feeling humans would be willing to participate ;) Besides, such a study could be deemed beneficial in a sense that perhaps visualizing the negative effects on a scientific/medicinal level would help persuade some of our bingers to calm down on the drinking. Now granted, I am not a binge drinker, but I know if I were to actually see the dysregulation within me upon drinking I'd probably pump the brakes for my own health's sake.
ReplyDeleteDespite the negative effects intoxication gradually promises it's participants, I have a feeling people will still continue to drink gratuitous amounts of alcohol. Some people will still be irresponsible and possess a little of that superman complex in thinking nothing bad will ever happen to them. I can even say I have been guilty of thinking that. It's important to know your limits.
I would be interested in a continuation of experiments regarding binge drinking on the body at the cellular level. Sometimes the effects of our actions don't hit home until they are brought forth in a different perspective that may finally be perceived as serious and scary. I assume most people, when they go out for drinks, don't think about their microvasculature rupturing, a decrease in their inflammatory cells, etc., but maybe with viable experimental demonstration, the next time they will.