Effects of alcohol on autonomic reactivity in alcoholics. Pupillometric studies. III.

Abstract
Pupillary reactivity during cold stress and homeostatic recovery was measured in 6 alcoholics and 10 nonalcoholics before and 30 min after 2 oz (59 ml) of whiskey (43% alcohol). Photographic measurements of the diameters of light- and dark-adapting pupils were taken under nonstressed conditions and during periods of stress (caused by placing the subject''s arm in cold water at 5.degree. C) and recovery from stress. In nonalcoholics, alcohol had no effect on pupillary contraction but attenuated the amplitude of pupil dilatation in response to stress. The alcoholics increased dilatation in response to stress. Apparently alcohol attenuates sympathetic outflow in nonaloholics and augments it in alcoholics.

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