[Aspects of chronobiological effects of ethanol].

Circadian rhythms regulate various life processes in plants, animals and in humans. These rhythms are generated by an endogenous mechanism called the biological clock. It has been known that there is circadian variability of receptors susceptibility to drugs and circadian changes of drugs kinetics. Biological effects of ethanol raise interest of many researchers due to consequences of its use. Effects of ethanol on various ion channels and receptors suggest that its action may also depend on circadian rhythms and may modulate action of the biological clock. Experimental studies on animals and humans have shown that circadian variability influences hypnotic and hypothermic effects of ethanol, cortisol levels, ethanol pharmacokinetics and ethanol intake. Chronic ethanol administration influence thyroid and sex hormones excretion, stimulate the HPA axis and changes various circadian rhythms (of sleep, motor activity and food intake). Changes in circadian ethanol effects may have significance for toxicity and interaction with drugs. Disturbances of circadian rhythms in alcohol-dependent patients may case therapeutic problems.