Many drugs, hormones, and neurotransmitters produce their physiological effects by stimulating or inhibiting the catalytic activity of AC, and thus affecting the concentration of cAMP within the cell.92 AC activity in animal and human cells and tissues is altered by acute and chronic ethanol treatment.93 AC activity can be measured in both platelets and lymphocytes, although the results can differ depending on which in vitro model is used.11 Lower cAMP production following chemical stimulation of platelets or white blood cells has been observed among alcoholics and individuals with a family history of alcoholism.94 The production of cAMP in chemically stimulated cells has been investigated in children of alcoholics who might share lower levels of Gs protein-stimulated cAMP production with their alcoholic relatives. The children of alcoholic parents were found to have lower platelet AC activity in comparison to children of nonalcoholic parents.95 The risk of alcoholism could be a result of low innate activity of AC, with acute alcohol causing a temporary stimulation and subsequent abstinence producing the opposite effect. Thus, this might promote more alcohol intake in attempt to compensate for low AC activity in individuals predisposed to alcohol dependence or already dependent individuals.95-97
