Ethanol: an enhancer of major histocompatibility complex antigen expression.
Ethanol enhances expression of cell surface class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens in a variety of cell lines; up to an eightfold increase is observed in an embryonic cell line. In ethanol-treated L cells, increased cell surface expression of MHC antigens occurs with a concomitant increase in steady-state RNA levels. This effect is promoter dependent and restricted, because not all gene products are elevated. The effective ethanol concentration (1%) is physiologically attainable, leading to speculations about the role of elevated MHC antigens in alcohol-related diseases.
Parent
L J
LJ
Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Ehrlich
R
R
Matis
L
L
Singer
D S
DS
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000187:drug effects*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects*
D006680:HLA Antigens; D000431:Ethanol