Effects of prolonged ethanol administration on the noradrenaline levels of rat heart.

The effect of prolonged administration of ethanol on the noradrenaline concentration of the heart was investigated in rats. After 4 weeks there was no difference in the catecholamine levels between control and ethanol consuming rats. After 12 and 24 weeks there was a highly significant increase in heart noradrenaline concentration in hearts of experimental rats. These findings may indicate a delay in the effect of ethanol in cardiac tissue. It is further suggested that continued exposure to high levels of catecholamine may play a role in the development of cardiomyopathy in chronic alcoholism.