Ethanol levels in honeybee hemolymph resulting from alcohol ingestion.

Our previous work on a social insect model of ethanol-induced behavior focused on behavioral studies of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). We now investigate the dependence of honeybee blood ethanol concentration on both the amount of ethanol consumed and time elapsed since ingestion. Blood ethanol level was determined using gas chromatograph using hemolymph taken from harnessed bees. Significantly increased levels of ethanol in honeybee hemolymph were detected within 15 min of feeding bees alcohol. Within 30 min, ethanol concentration increased 2.7 times. The concentration of ethanol ingested also had a significant effect on blood ethanol level. However, postfeeding times greater than 30 min did not significantly increase ethanol concentration in bee hemolymph. This study integrates with our behavioral data on the effect of ethanol on honeybees. Our laboratory and field experiments show a correlation between the time frame for behavioral changes and significant increases of blood ethanol levels shown in this study.     

Diabetes mellitus-associated diffuse autonomic dysfunction causing debilitating hypotension manifested after rapid weight loss in a morbidly obese patient: case report and review of the literature.

The association between weight and blood pressure is well established, especially the paradigm of obesity-related hypertension. The relationship between diffuse autonomic dysfunction and orthostatic hypotension in patients with long-term diabetes mellitus is also well known. We report on a 57-year-old morbidly obese male with a long medical history of hypertension, myocardial infarction, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism. After a loss of 147 pounds (representing a percent excess weight loss of 76%) within 6 months after gastric bypass surgery, the patient developed worsening orthostatic hypotension and near-syncopal episodes requiring medication. The subsequent diagnosis and treatment, as well as a literature review, are presented.