Alpha-2-adrenoceptor function in alcoholics.

Alpha-2-adrenoceptor function has been assessed using the iv clonidine challenge test. During withdrawal clonidine effects on blood pressure, sedation and body temperature were blunted compared with the abstinent state and healthy controls. In contrast the growth hormone response was blunted in both the withdrawing and abstinent alcoholics. These findings suggest that a deficit of alpha-2-inhibitory control is a feature of withdrawal and, in the case of the endocrine response, may persist for some time.