[Biochemical mechanisms for the effect of alcohol on the brain].

This paper reviews and discusses basic knowledge of biochemical mechanisms of action of ethanol upon the central nervous system, the emphasis being on effects upon cerebral membrane structures and processes as well as mechanisms of chemical synaptic transmission. Results of detailed studies into material and steric changes in membranes, ion-dependent adenosine triphosphatases, variations in ion balance, effects upon cyclic nucleotides, influences on special transmitter systems, and mechanisms of formation of morphine-analogous condensation products are presented. In addition, open questions are derived and formulated in problem complexes.