Chronic ethanol exposure uncouples vasopressin synthesis and secretion in rats.
To assess the chronic effect of ethanol on vasopressin release and synthesis, hypothalamic vasopressin mRNA, plasma vasopressin levels and plasma osmolality were measured in control rats and rats exposed chronically to ethanol by vapor inhalation for 8 days. The level of hypothalamic vasopressin mRNA (vasopressin synthesis) was unchanged or significantly decreased in ethanol-treated rats, even when these animals displayed increased plasma osmolality and vasopressin levels. The results suggest that chronic ethanol exposure produces a down-regulation of vasopressin synthesis and/or a disruption of vasopressin synthesis-secretion coupling. These findings may have important implications for evaluation of the hydration state of chronic alcoholics.
Hoffman
P L
PL
Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, Maryland 20852.
Dave
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014667:Vasopressins; D000431:Ethanol