Effects of alcohol on cerebrospinal fluid norepinephrine in rhesus monkeys.

Alcohol (1-3 g/kg) significantly increased the concentration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) norepinephrine (NE) in rhesus monkeys. This effect is consistent with the previously demonstrated activational and possible antidepressant effect of low doses of alcohol. The greatest increase was observed in subjects with low baseline levels of CSF NE. Individual differences in activation or euphoria could be related to differential increases in CSF NE following alcohol consumption.