Assay of salsolinol in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of alcoholics and healthy subjects by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract

Endogenous 6,7-dihydroxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (salsolinol) could be a potential marker involved in the aetiology of alcoholism. Whereas the amount of salsolinol in plasma and urine depends on several dietary conditions, the salsolinol from peripheral mononuclear cells should be formed endogenously. Salsolinol was quantified in lymphocytes of 10 controls and 11 alcoholics (after 1 and 13 weeks of abstinence) using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Alcoholics showed significantly lower salsolinol concentration than the controls. After 13 weeks of abstinence a further significant decrease of SAL levels could be seen in the lymphocytes of alcoholics. The findings of this study support the theory that salsolinol might be a trait marker in alcoholism.

• Authors: H Haber, H Jahn, H Ehrenreich, M F Melzig
• Journal: Addiction biology (Addict Biol) Vol. 7 Issue 4 Pg. 403-7 (Oct 2002) ISSN: 1355-6215 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14578016 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Isoquinolines
• salsolinol

Topics

• Adult
• Alcoholism (blood, diagnosis, psychology)
• Behavior, Addictive (psychology)
• Biomarkers
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (instrumentation)
• Health Status
• Humans
• Isoquinolines (blood)
• Lymphocytes (chemistry)
• Male
• Temperance