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OneOfUsOneOfUsGooble t1_iz1unxs wrote

"The action of alcohol on the vasculature is variable according to its concentration and the kind of blood vessel. High concentrations of alcohol constrict most blood vessels. This vasoconstriction depends on calcium ions and is inhibited by calcium channel blockers. Alcohol also acts to augment the vasoconstriction caused by catecholamines and vasopressin and inhibits endothelium-dependent vasodilation. It has been suggested that endothelin and nitric oxide are involved in alcohol-induced vasoconstriction. . . . On the other hand, low concentrations of alcohol usually dilate blood vessels. This effect also seems to be mediated by calcium ions and endothelium-derived nitric oxide. It has been shown that low doses of alcohol increase the release of nitric oxide and augment endothelium-dependent vasodilation."

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