Sequential Studies on Serum-Levels of Lysozyme, Lactoferrin and Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Alcoholics after Alcohol Withdrawal

Abstract

Twelve male alcoholics were followed for 16 days after alcohol withdrawal with respect to the number of the different circulating blood cells and to serum levels of leukocyte markers such as .beta.2-microglobulin, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), lactoferrin and lysozyme. The results suggest a direct toxic effect of ethanol on the neutrophil granulocytes as indicated by high S-lactoferrin levels. Relatively low levels of S-lysozyme as compared to S-lactoferrin could suggest a reduced activity of the monocytes/macrophages. The eosinophils and lymphocytes seemed quite unaffected by ethanol. Increased hematopoietic activity after withdrawal was indicated by increasing cell numbers in the peripheral blood and by increasing serum levels of lactoferrin and lysozyme. The increasing monocyte/macrophage activity after withdrawal as suggested by S-lysozyme levels was closely related (P < 0.001) to the increased thrombopoietic activity as evaluated by peripheral thrombocyte counts. This latter finding could point to a direct relationship between monocyte/macrophage activity and thrombocyte production.