Useful method to monitor the physiological effects of alcohol ingestion by combination of micro-integrated laser Doppler blood flow meter and arm-raising test

Proc Inst Mech Eng H. 2012 Oct;226(10):759-65. doi: 10.1177/0954411912452974.

Abstract

Alcohol has a variety of effects on the human body, affecting both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. We examined the peripheral blood flow of alcohol drinkers using a micro-integrated laser Doppler blood flow meter (micro-electromechanical system blood flow sensor). An increased heart rate and blood flow was recorded at the earlobe after alcohol ingestion, and we observed strong correlation between blood flow, heart rate, and breath alcohol content in light drinkers; but not heavy drinkers. We also found that the amplitude of pulse waves measured at the fingertip during an arm-raising test significantly decreased on alcohol consumption, regardless of the individual's alcohol tolerance. Our micro-electromechanical system blood flow sensor successfully detected various physiological changes in peripheral blood circulation induced by alcohol consumption.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Arm / physiology
  • Blood Flow Velocity / drug effects
  • Blood Flow Velocity / physiology*
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / physiology*
  • Equipment Design
  • Ethanol / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Heart Rate / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Laser-Doppler Flowmetry / instrumentation*
  • Male
  • Miniaturization
  • Movement / drug effects
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Systems Integration
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Ethanol