On binge drinking and the brain

The link between brain ischemia, and inflammation as a result of cellular stress markers has been well established. Historically the origins of brain damage and decreased cognitive ability in those that engage in chronic binge drinking was poorly understood. Some evidence from the mid-seventies showed that ischemic brains (similar to those observed in post-mortem alcoholics) showed a significant increase in resident leukocytes.

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