Determination of beta-endorphin in alcoholic patients in the acute stage of intoxication: relation with naloxone therapy.

beta-Endorphin was measured in the plasma of control subjects and 12 chronic alcoholics in the acute stage of ethanol intoxication. Naloxone was administered and the level of beta-endorphin was compared before and after treatment. The increased level of beta-endorphin in the intoxicated subjects supports the presence of ethanol interactions with the opioid system, since pituitary secretion does not seem to be involved. Furthermore, the coexistence of high levels of beta-endorphin and an effective naloxone response suggest a possible link between the two.