CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PRODUCTION OF ACETALDEHYDE BY ASTROCYTES IN CULTURE AFTER ETHANOL EXPOSURE

The nervous system is one of the main targets of ethanol toxicity. Ast rocytes might play an important role in ethanol-induced brain toxicity , because their integrity is essential for the normal growth and funct ioning of neurons. On the other hand, acetaldehyde has been implicated as a mediator in some of the biochemical, pharmacological, and behavi oral effects of ethanol. The present study aimed at demonstrating the ability of astrocytes in culture to produce acetaldehyde from ethanol. Significant metabolization of ethanol with production of acetaldehyde was demonstrated in the primary culture of astrocytes. This productio n was quite low, compared with that usually observed in hepatocytes, b ut was in the same range as that measured in whole brain homogenates a nd corresponded to biologically active levels. Such a demonstration co uld bring new elements for understanding of ethanol neurotoxicity.