Host defenses during prolonged alcohol consumption in a controlled environment

Abstract

Noncirrhotic alcoholic volunteers (6) drinking in the Clinical Research Center were studied. All had tests of granulocyte, humoral and cell-mediated immune function before and at the end of 8-28 days'' intake of about 0.75 of 100-proof whiskey/day. Results of all tests were normal during the drinking period, except for the following: granulocyte chemotaxis was depressed in 3 volunteers and improved on alcohol withdrawal; antibody response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) immunization was poor; and delayed hypersensitivity could not be established to KLH. The 3 defects noted may contribute to the alcoholic''s poor resistance to infection.