Page last updated: 2024-10-24

response to alcohol

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of an alcohol stimulus. [GOC:pr, PMID:24014527]

The response to alcohol is a complex process involving multiple biological systems. Upon consumption, alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. It primarily affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. **Absorption and Distribution:** Alcohol is absorbed quickly from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. Its distribution throughout the body is influenced by factors such as body mass, gender, and metabolic rate.

2. **Metabolism:** The primary site of alcohol metabolism is the liver. The enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) converts alcohol to acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct. Acetaldehyde is then metabolized by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) to acetate, which is further metabolized to carbon dioxide and water. Genetic variations in ADH and ALDH can affect the rate of alcohol metabolism, leading to different responses to alcohol consumption.

3. **Effects on the Nervous System:** Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, affecting neurotransmitter systems like GABA, glutamate, and dopamine. This results in the well-known effects of alcohol intoxication, including:

* **Euphoria and relaxation:** Alcohol initially increases GABA activity, leading to feelings of relaxation and reduced anxiety.
* **Impaired coordination and motor skills:** Alcohol impairs communication between nerve cells, affecting motor coordination and balance.
* **Slurred speech and impaired cognition:** Alcohol disrupts language processing and memory function, leading to slurred speech and difficulty concentrating.
* **Drowsiness and sedation:** As alcohol levels rise, it further depresses brain activity, leading to drowsiness and, eventually, unconsciousness.

4. **Tolerance and Dependence:** With repeated alcohol consumption, the body can develop tolerance. This means that higher doses of alcohol are needed to achieve the same effects. Chronic alcohol use can also lead to dependence, where the body becomes reliant on alcohol to function normally. This can result in withdrawal symptoms like tremors, anxiety, and seizures when alcohol consumption is stopped.

5. **Long-Term Effects:** Long-term alcohol abuse has serious health consequences, including liver damage, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and various cancers. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can also lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

6. **Individual Variability:** The response to alcohol varies significantly among individuals due to factors such as genetics, gender, body mass, and previous alcohol consumption. Some individuals may experience rapid intoxication and strong adverse effects, while others may show greater tolerance.

In summary, the response to alcohol is a complex interplay of factors that involve the body's absorption, metabolism, and interaction with the nervous system. It is a process that can lead to both short-term and long-term effects, both positive and negative, depending on the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption.'
"

Proteins (2)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Glycine receptor subunit alpha-1A glycine receptor subunit alpha-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P23415]Homo sapiens (human)
GDH/6PGL endoplasmic bifunctional proteinA GDH/6PGL endoplasmic bifunctional protein that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:O95479]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (18)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
glycinealpha-amino acid;
amino acid zwitterion;
proteinogenic amino acid;
serine family amino acid
EC 2.1.2.1 (glycine hydroxymethyltransferase) inhibitor;
fundamental metabolite;
hepatoprotective agent;
micronutrient;
neurotransmitter;
NMDA receptor agonist;
nutraceutical
astemizoleastemizole : A piperidine compound having a 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl group at the 1-position and an N-[(4-fluorobenzyl)benzimidazol-2-yl]amino group at the 4-position.

Astemizole: Antihistamine drug now withdrawn from the market in many countries because of rare but potentially fatal side effects.
benzimidazoles;
piperidines
anti-allergic agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
H1-receptor antagonist
fluspirileneFluspirilene: A long-acting injectable antipsychotic agent used for chronic schizophrenia.diarylmethane
mefloquine hydrochloride[2,8-bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-yl]-(2-piperidyl)methanol : An organofluorine compound that consists of quinoline bearing trifluoromethyl substituents at positions 2 and 8 as well as a (2-piperidinyl)hydroxymethyl substituent at position 4.organofluorine compound;
piperidines;
quinolines;
secondary alcohol
risperidonerisperidone : A member of the class of pyridopyrimidines that is 2-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one carrying an additional 2-[4-(6-fluoro-1,2-benzoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl group at position 2.

Risperidone: A selective blocker of DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTORS and SEROTONIN 5-HT2 RECEPTORS that acts as an atypical antipsychotic agent. It has been shown to improve both positive and negative symptoms in the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA.
1,2-benzoxazoles;
heteroarylpiperidine;
organofluorine compound;
pyridopyrimidine
alpha-adrenergic antagonist;
dopaminergic antagonist;
EC 3.4.21.26 (prolyl oligopeptidase) inhibitor;
H1-receptor antagonist;
psychotropic drug;
second generation antipsychotic;
serotonergic antagonist
dronabinolDelta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol : A diterpenoid that is 6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene substituted at position 1 by a hydroxy group, positions 6, 6 and 9 by methyl groups and at position 3 by a pentyl group. The principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant, it is used for treatment of anorexia associated with AIDS as well as nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

Dronabinol: A psychoactive compound extracted from the resin of Cannabis sativa (marihuana, hashish). The isomer delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered the most active form, producing characteristic mood and perceptual changes associated with this compound.
benzochromene;
diterpenoid;
phytocannabinoid;
polyketide
cannabinoid receptor agonist;
epitope;
hallucinogen;
metabolite;
non-narcotic analgesic
pimozidepimozide : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one in which one of the nitrogens is substituted by a piperidin-4-yl group, which in turn is substituted on the nitrogen by a 4,4-bis(p-fluorophenyl)butyl group.

Pimozide: A diphenylbutylpiperidine that is effective as an antipsychotic agent and as an alternative to HALOPERIDOL for the suppression of vocal and motor tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, blockade of postsynaptic dopamine receptors has been postulated. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p403)
benzimidazoles;
heteroarylpiperidine;
organofluorine compound
antidyskinesia agent;
dopaminergic antagonist;
first generation antipsychotic;
H1-receptor antagonist;
serotonergic antagonist
adapaleneadapalene : A naphthoic acid that is CD437 in which the phenolic hydroxy group has been converted to its methyl ether.

Adapalene: A naphthalene derivative that has specificity for RETINOIC ACID RECEPTORS. It is used as a DERMATOLOGIC AGENT for the treatment of ACNE.
adamantanes;
monocarboxylic acid;
naphthoic acid
dermatologic drug;
EC 2.7.11.22 (cyclin-dependent kinase) inhibitor;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
telmisartantelmisartan : A member of the class of benzimidazoles used widely in the treatment of hypertension.

Telmisartan: A biphenyl compound and benzimidazole derivative that acts as an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist. It is used in the management of HYPERTENSION.
benzimidazoles;
biphenyls;
carboxybiphenyl
angiotensin receptor antagonist;
antihypertensive agent;
EC 3.4.15.1 (peptidyl-dipeptidase A) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
xenobiotic
cinacalcetcinacalcet : A secondary amino compound that is (1R)-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethanamine in which one of the hydrogens attached to the nitrogen is substituted by a 3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]propyl group.(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
naphthalenes;
secondary amino compound
calcimimetic;
P450 inhibitor
strychninestrychnine : A monoterpenoid indole alkaloid that is strychnidine bearing a keto substituent at the 10-position.

Strychnine: An alkaloid found in the seeds of STRYCHNOS NUX-VOMICA. It is a competitive antagonist at glycine receptors and thus a convulsant. It has been used as an analeptic, in the treatment of nonketotic hyperglycinemia and sleep apnea, and as a rat poison.
monoterpenoid indole alkaloid;
organic heteroheptacyclic compound
avicide;
cholinergic antagonist;
glycine receptor antagonist;
neurotransmitter agent;
rodenticide
sulindacsulindac : A monocarboxylic acid that is 1-benzylidene-1H-indene which is substituted at positions 2, 3, and 5 by methyl, carboxymethyl, and fluorine respectively, and in which the phenyl group of the benzylidene moiety is substituted at the para position by a methylsulfinyl group. It is a prodrug for the corresponding sulfide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, used particularly in the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Sulindac: A sulfinylindene derivative prodrug whose sulfinyl moiety is converted in vivo to an active NSAID analgesic. Specifically, the prodrug is converted by liver enzymes to a sulfide which is excreted in the bile and then reabsorbed from the intestine. This helps to maintain constant blood levels with reduced gastrointestinal side effects.
monocarboxylic acid;
organofluorine compound;
sulfoxide
analgesic;
antineoplastic agent;
antipyretic;
apoptosis inducer;
EC 1.14.99.1 (prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase) inhibitor;
non-narcotic analgesic;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug;
prodrug;
tocolytic agent
cholecalciferolcalciol : A hydroxy seco-steroid that is (5Z,7E)-9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-triene in which the pro-S hydrogen at position 3 has been replaced by a hydroxy group. It is the inactive form of vitamin D3, being hydroxylated in the liver to calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3), which is then further hydroxylated in the kidney to give calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), the active hormone.

Cholecalciferol: Derivative of 7-dehydroxycholesterol formed by ULTRAVIOLET RAYS breaking of the C9-C10 bond. It differs from ERGOCALCIFEROL in having a single bond between C22 and C23 and lacking a methyl group at C24.
D3 vitamins;
hydroxy seco-steroid;
seco-cholestane;
secondary alcohol;
steroid hormone
geroprotector;
human metabolite
ginkgolide b
dutasteridedutasteride : An aza-steroid that is inasteride in which the tert-butyl group is replaced by a 2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group. A synthetic 4-azasteroid, dutasteride is a selective inhibitor of both the type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5alpha-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone. Dutasteride is used for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate gland.

Dutasteride: A 5-ALPHA-REDUCTASE INHIBITOR that is reported to inhibit both type-1 and type2 isoforms of the enzyme and is used to treat BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA.
(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
aza-steroid;
delta-lactam
antihyperplasia drug;
EC 1.3.1.22 [3-oxo-5alpha-steroid 4-dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor
bn 52020
rucaparibAG14447: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor; structure in first sourceazepinoindole;
caprolactams;
organofluorine compound;
secondary amino compound
antineoplastic agent;
EC 2.4.2.30 (NAD(+) ADP-ribosyltransferase) inhibitor
regorafenib(trifluoromethyl)benzenes;
aromatic ether;
monochlorobenzenes;
monofluorobenzenes;
phenylureas;
pyridinecarboxamide
antineoplastic agent;
hepatotoxic agent;
tyrosine kinase inhibitor