Lack of Alteration in Regional Brain Adenosine 3',5'-Cyclic Monophosphate Levels after Acute and Chronic Treatment with Ethanol.

摘要

Previously reported studies have suggested that acute and chronic treatment with ethanol induces alterations in adenosine 3-5-cyclic monophosphate (C-AMP) levels in the brain. Because the methods used to minimize postmortem accumulation of C-AMP are now considered to be inadequate, the effects of ethanol were reinvestigated using focused microwave fixation to prevent postmortem C-AMP accumulation. These studies were extended to include measurements in seven areas of the rat brain and in animals rendered ethanol-dependent. Three treatment groups were examined: acutely treated (6 g/kg, p.o.), ethanol-dependent while still intoxicated, and ethanol-dependent while undergoing a withdrawal syndrome. No changes in C-AMP levels were observed in any of the brain areas studied after any of the ethanol treatments. The data suggest that changes in C-AMP levels in the brain do not play any role in the acute and chronic effects of ethanol. The results of this study provide further information on the development and exploration of models for chronic insults to the brain, such as long-term exposure to toxic chemicals and ionizing and nonionizing radiation. (Author)