Phosphatidylethanol in rat organs after ethanol exposure.

• BACKGROUND: Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is an abnormal phospholipid formed in mammalian cells that have been exposed to ethanol. It has been suggested that PEth mediates some of the damaging effects of ethanol on cells. This study was performed to investigate the level of PEth in organs of rats after in vivo alcohol exposure. METHODS: Three exposure models were studied: (1) acute, intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (n = 3 x 3); (2) chronic, forced ethanol drinking (n = 6); and (3) chronic, free choice of ethanol (n = 20). PEth was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography after lipid extraction of the organs. RESULTS: One acute injection gave detectable PEth levels in most organs analyzed, with maximal levels reached after 2 hr. The highest levels were reached in intestines, stomach, and lung. No PEth was detected in skeletal muscle, pancreas, or testis. The two exposure models for oral intake of ethanol also gave detectable PEth levels in most organs. The highest levels were reached in stomach, lung, and spleen. PEth was detected in muscle only in animals with heavy total alcohol intake. CONCLUSIONS: PEth is formed in most organs of rats exposed to ethanol acutely or chronically. Variations in PEth level and rates of PEth formation and PEth degradation are organ specific.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Beroendelära (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Substance Abuse (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Support

Male

Rats

Sprague-Dawley

Tissue Distribution : physiology

Tissue Distribution : drug effects

Non-U.S. Gov't

Oral

Administration

Alcohol Drinking : metabolism

Animal

Central Nervous System Depressants : administration & dosage

Central Nervous System Depressants : pharmacokinetics

Choice Behavior : drug effects

Comparative Study

Drug

Dose-Response Relationship

Ethanol : administration & dosage

Injections

Glycerophospholipids : metabolism

Intraperitoneal

Ethanol : pharmacokinetics

Publication and Content Type

art (subject category)

ref (subject category)