Clinical Conditions and Concentrations of MOPEG in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Urine of Male Alcoholic Patients during Withdrawal

Abstract

The levels of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MOPEG), the major noradrenaline [norepinephrine, NE] metabolite in the CNS, were analyzed in lumbar CSF and urine from 74 male alcohol addicts during acute withdrawal and after 1 wk of abstinence. The values obtained were compared to those of 21 healthy male volunteers. Clinical conditions were rated on the sampling days. Concentrations of MOPEG were elevated during early withdrawal, and the levels decreased during detoxication. This pattern was found in both the CSF and urine, irrespective of type of drug treatment during withdrawal. The clinical symptoms improved during withdrawal and, in the beginning, there were significant positive correlations between MOPEG levels in the CSF and sleeping problems, tremors, restlessness, visual hallucinations and elevated muscle tension. Changes in MOPEG levels correlated to changes of mood. A significant correlation was also found between low MOPEG level and craving for alcohol. Few correlations were found between MOPEG levels in the urine and clinical symptoms. An elevated noradrenergic transmitter turnover rate in the early phase of alcohol withdrawal, as well as a connection between NE metabolism and several clinical conditions during alcohol withdrawal, were indicated.