RESUMOS

Orientadora: E. C. Vasquez Co-orientadora: E. M. Nakamura

MACIEIRA, Marluce Siqueira. Effects of the long-term alcohol intake and its withdrawal on the anxiety and the arterial blood pressure regulation.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effects of alcohol intake and its withdrawal on the anxiety and arterial blood pressure regulation. Sixty-nine male Wistar rats (150 - 250g) separated in 4 groups (ETOH 0%, 5%, 20% e 40%) were exposed to spontaneous alcohol ingestion for 90 days. 24-h withdrawn animals from ETOH 40% groups showed a decrease in the percentage of the time spent in the open arms of na elevated plus maze as compared to ETOH 0% and 5%. Non-withdrawn animals from ETOH 5% showed lower mean arterial pressure as compared to ETOH 0% group and a higher heart rate as compared to ETOH 0% and 20%. The sensitivity of the baroreceptor reflex was attenuated in 48-h withdrawn animals from ETOH 5% group and from non-withdrawn animals from ETOH 5% and 20%. Non-withdrawn animals from ETOH 5% groups showed greater fall of diastolic arterial pressure as compared to the other groups. These results suggest that long-term alcohol ingestion produces alterations in the mechanisms of arterial blood pressure regulation, and that its withdrawal induces anxiogenic responses.

Keywords: alcohol, anxiety, arterial pressure

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  19 Sept 2014
• Date of issue
  June 1999