Abstract
From the experiments carried out in this study on mice kept on a 17.5% alcoholic diet (ethanol) for more than 90 days, a clear-out decrease was found in all the protective responses studied. In fact, the data show: (a) increased mortality with increased number of circulating bacteria; (b) diminished adherence and migrational capacity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes; (c) diminished phagocytosis index; (d) reduced release of cytokines from lymphocytes and monocytes; and (e) diminished response of lymphocytes to polyclonal stimuli (concanavalin A, lipopolysaccharide).