Ethanol-induced apoptosis in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
The aim is to study the apoptotic process in a human hepatocyte model for ethanol (EtOH)-induced apoptosis.


METHODS
Normal human primary hepatocytes (HPH) and Hep G2 cells were exposed to increasing EtOH. 6000 cells/ sample were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Apoptotic cells were observed (mmol/L EtOH): 40: 6 +/-0.5%, 60:13 +/- 2% (p < 0.05), 80: 26 +/- 1% (p < 0.001) (vs. control). Two consecutive doses of 80 mmol/L for 24 h each additionally increased apoptosis 55 +/- 3% (p < 0.0001 vs. control and p < 0.001 vs. single dose). In response to this exposure, there is a stronger apoptotic activity in HPH when compared to Hep G2 (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In vitro, EtOH-induced apoptosis is regulated by dose level and the frequency of exposure.
Neuman
M G
MG
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. manuela@srcl.sunnybrook.utoronto.ca
Shear
N H
NH
Cameron
R G
RG
Katz
G
G
Tiribelli
C
C
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron
D000431:Ethanol