Abstract

Evidence from a number of directions suggests that prostaglandin (PG) El is of importance in central nervous system function. Schizophrenics appear to have a severe deficiency of PGE1 in at least some tissues. Ethanol at clinically relevant concentrations enhances formation of PGE1 from dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), but blocks the replenishment of DGLA stores by blocking the enzyme delta-6-desaturase. Ethanol therefore leads to a transient elevation of PGE1 levels followed by a depression. Such lowering of PGE1 concentrations is likely to be particularly profound during withdrawal which may partially explain the schizoid reactions which may appear in alcoholics undergoing withdrawal. Rotrosen et al. (1980) have found that administration of PGE1 or its precursors to alcohol- addicted animals can alleviate withdrawal symptoms, supporting the idea that PGE1 depletion is of importance in this situation.