Effect of Champagne Compared to Still White Wine on Peripheral Neurotransmitter Concentrations

To evaluate how the peripheral release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, cholecystokinin, and beta-endorphin is involved in drinking behavior, blood concentrations of these neurotransmitters were followed in 40 healthy young volunteers during the first hour after ingestion of a moderate dose of some common alcoholic beverages (champagne, still white wine) as compared to water. Concerning serotonin levels, two groups of subjects are statistically distinct: one with low basal serotonin levels (< 620 nmol/L) which responded with an increase in serotonin (52% in 10 minutes), and a second group with higher basal serotonin levels (> 620 nmol/L) which responded with a decrease (190% in 60 minutes). Variations in serotonin concentrations appear to depend upon the alcoholic content of the beverage. A rapid increase in plasma dopamine concentrations after consumption of champagne seems to be due to the nonalcoholic content of the beverage. Cholecystokinin values were not significantly different between the three beverages: the observed increase can be explained by a moderate gastric distention. Beta-endorphin levels didn't change significantly after drinking. In conclusion, some significant blood variations of serotonin and dopamine appeared even after moderately dose of champagne or still white wine. These changes might be partially responsible for the different drinking behavior.