The effect of oral alcohol on gastroenteropancreatic hormones in volunteers

This study has examined changes in gastrointestinal hormones induced by alcohol. Ten normal volunteers consumed an orange and carbohydrate-containing drink on two separate occasions, with and without 50g alcohol. There was a significant hyperglycaemia associated with alcohol ingestion but no difference was noted in insulin or gastric inhibitory polypeptide in the two groups. Gastrin release was stimulated by alcohol but pancreatic polypeptide release and N-terminal glucagon release were both suppressed by alcohol. There was no difference in release of secretin or C-terminal glucagon in either group.