Endogenous Bufadienolide, Blood Pressure and Alcohol Withdrawal.

Background and objective Previously it was demonstrated that marinobufagenin (MBG) is implicated in the development of ethanol withdrawal in rats. It has been shown, that ethanol withdrawal is associated with a pressor response in the alcoholics. We hypothesized that elevated levels of sodium pump ligand, MBG, would underline the increase in systolic blood pressure during alcohol withdrawal in humans. Methods The cohort included 9 patients with the diagnosis "alcohol dependence syndrome" (F10.(1-3) according to ICD-10). The blood samples for measurement of MBG concentration were collected from the subjects in on the first day of withdrawal and after 7 days treatment of the abstinence. Arterial blood pressure was measured via plethysmography at the same time points. Results The beginning of the alcoholic abstinence was associated with rise of arterial blood pressure with enhanced levels of plasma MBG. At day 7 following withdrawal, the systolic blood pressure and MBG levels were decreased to normal values. Conclusion The development of alcohol withdrawal is accompanied by an increase in arterial blood pressure, which is associated with increased plasma MBG concentration.