GENE-EXPRESSION OF A-TYPE AND B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES IN RESPONSETO ACUTE ETHANOL INGESTION

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.