US EPA

Systemic effects of low dosage of stable Sr2+ have not been investigated previously with respect to chronic ethanol abuse. e have previously demonstrated that Sr2+ may exert a protective effect against mitochondrial injury in rats. he baseline data for the present investigation was established by a study of 83 chronic alcoholics admitted to a half-way treatment center. In the current study, 6 chronic alcoholic patients were administered Sr carbonate (600-703 mg of Sr2+ per day) for periods of 4-6 weeks, alternating with treatment-free (Placebo) intervals. Serum GDH was determined using Koch's modification; GGTP was determined using standard methodology (Gilford Stasar III). Serum ethanol levels were determined using Alcohol Dipstick Methodology of Kapur and Israel. erum Sr2+ and Ca2+ levels were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. In patients receiving Sr2+, serum GDH levels were decreased 61-68% (range 44.9-88.6%) when compared to the control periods during the acute alcoholic episodes. The effects of Sr2+ on serum GGTP levels varied in extent of decrease. The preliminary studies indicate that low dosage of Sr2+ exerts a protective effect on mitochondrial function during acute alcoholic episodes.

Pivon, R., P. Koch, J. Nolan, S. Skoryna, J. Perras, AND J. Stara. EFFECTS OF LOW DOSAGE OF STABLE STRONTIUM ON SERUM ENZYMES IN CHRONIC ALCOHOLICS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-89/032 (NTIS PB89223911).

Trace Substances in Environmental Health, II, 1986. ymposium. D.D. Hemphill, Ed., University of Missouri, Columbia