Da. Wigle et al., GENE-EXPRESSION OF A-TYPE AND B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES IN RESPONSETO ACUTE ETHANOL INGESTION, Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research, 19(5), 1995, pp. 1317-1320
Given that ethanol ingestion is associated with a disruption of water
and electrolyte balance in addition to being a significant risk factor
for cardiovascular disease, we have investigated the gene expression
of ANP and BNP in response to acute doses of ethanol. Wistar rats were
administered either a 5 g/kg dose of ethanol or an equivalent volume
of water, and atrial and ventricular tissue samples were removed at 30
, 60, and 120 min for analyses. Although no differences in ANP mRNA we
re observed between ethanol and water-treated rats during the time cou
rse, BNP mRNA levels in ethanol-treated rats were 43% of those present
in water-treated animals in atrial tissue at 120 min. In ventricular
tissue, BNP mRNA levels were reduced similarly to 38% of control. Thes
e results suggest a possible differential regulation of A- and B-type
natriuretic peptides under the influence of ethanol ingestion.