Study of tetrahydrobiopterin and 6-methyltetrahydropterin on alcohol dependence in mice.

The literature establishes a potential link between the function of tetrahydroisoquinolines in the biological actions of alcohol and the reduced pterin cofactor needed for synthesis of certain neurotransmitters. The effect of the administration of 6-methyltetrahydropterin and tetrahydrobiopterin upon alcohol withdrawal in mice was tested. Dependence was produced by ip administration of alcohol, supplemented by alcohol delivered by a subcutaneously implanted silastic tube. Administration of the reduced pterins at relatively high doses did not reduce the magnitude of the alcohol withdrawal syndrome.