Comparison of the effects of alcohol and acetaldehyde on proopiomelanocortin mRNA levels and beta-endorphin secretion from hypothalamic neurons in primary cultures. 1994

M Pastorcic, and N Boyadjieva, and D K Sarkar
Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6520.

The effects of acute and chronic treatments with ethanol and acute treatments with an ethanol metabolite, acetaldehyde, on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA expression were compared with those of these agents on the secretion of a POMC gene product, beta-endorphin (beta-EP) peptide. The level of POMC mRNA in cultured cells was determined using an RNase protection assay, and the accumulation of immunoreactive beta-EP (IR-beta-EP) peptide in the culture medium was measured by radioimmunoassay. Treatment of hypothalamic cells with 25-, 50-, and 100-mM doses of ethanol or 12.5 and 25 microM acetaldehyde for 3 h increased POMC mRNA levels. The stimulatory effect of ethanol on POMC mRNA levels lasted for a period of 12 h, although the percentage increase of the ethanol-stimulated mRNA level was gradually reduced over time. Acute treatments with ethanol and acetaldehyde also elevated IR-beta-EP secretion from the cultured neurons for a period of 12 h, and the IR-beta-EP secretory response developed desensitization after 24 h of ethanol incubation. The close association between the ethanol-induced IR-beta-EP secretion and ethanol-regulated POMC mRNA expression suggests that ethanol regulates both secretion and production of beta-EP peptide in the hypothalamic neurons.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007031 Hypothalamus Ventral part of the DIENCEPHALON extending from the region of the OPTIC CHIASM to the caudal border of the MAMMILLARY BODIES and forming the inferior and lateral walls of the THIRD VENTRICLE. Lamina Terminalis,Preoptico-Hypothalamic Area,Area, Preoptico-Hypothalamic,Areas, Preoptico-Hypothalamic,Preoptico Hypothalamic Area,Preoptico-Hypothalamic Areas
D009474 Neurons The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM. Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D011333 Pro-Opiomelanocortin A 30-kDa protein synthesized primarily in the ANTERIOR PITUITARY GLAND and the HYPOTHALAMUS. It is also found in the skin and other peripheral tissues. Depending on species and tissues, POMC is cleaved by PROHORMONE CONVERTASES yielding various active peptides including ACTH; BETA-LIPOTROPIN; ENDORPHINS; MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONES; and others (GAMMA-LPH; CORTICOTROPIN-LIKE INTERMEDIATE LOBE PEPTIDE; N-terminal peptide of POMC or NPP). POMC,Pro-Opiocortin,ACTH-Endorphin Precursor,ACTH-beta-Lipotropin Precursor,Corticotropin-beta-Lipotropin Precursor,Endorphin-ACTH Precursor,Opiocortin,Pre-POMC,Pre-pro-opiocortin,Preproopiomelanocortin,Pro-ACTH-Endorphin,Pro-Opio-Melanocortin,Proopiocortin,Proopiomelanocortin,ACTH Endorphin Precursor,ACTH beta Lipotropin Precursor,Corticotropin beta Lipotropin Precursor,Endorphin ACTH Precursor,Pre POMC,Pre pro opiocortin,Pro ACTH Endorphin,Pro Opio Melanocortin,Pro Opiocortin,Pro Opiomelanocortin
D011863 Radioimmunoassay Classic quantitative assay for detection of antigen-antibody reactions using a radioactively labeled substance (radioligand) either directly or indirectly to measure the binding of the unlabeled substance to a specific antibody or other receptor system. Non-immunogenic substances (e.g., haptens) can be measured if coupled to larger carrier proteins (e.g., bovine gamma-globulin or human serum albumin) capable of inducing antibody formation. Radioimmunoassays
D002478 Cells, Cultured Cells propagated in vitro in special media conducive to their growth. Cultured cells are used to study developmental, morphologic, metabolic, physiologic, and genetic processes, among others. Cultured Cells,Cell, Cultured,Cultured Cell
D000079 Acetaldehyde A colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of acetic acid, perfumes, and flavors. It is also an intermediate in the metabolism of alcohol. It has a general narcotic action and also causes irritation of mucous membranes. Large doses may cause death from respiratory paralysis. Ethanal
D000431 Ethanol A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Alcohol, Ethyl,Absolute Alcohol,Grain Alcohol,Alcohol, Absolute,Alcohol, Grain,Ethyl Alcohol
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001615 beta-Endorphin A 31-amino acid peptide that is the C-terminal fragment of BETA-LIPOTROPIN. It acts on OPIOID RECEPTORS and is an analgesic. Its first four amino acids at the N-terminal are identical to the tetrapeptide sequence of METHIONINE ENKEPHALIN and LEUCINE ENKEPHALIN. Endorphin, beta,beta-Endorphin (1-31),beta Endorphin
D012333 RNA, Messenger RNA sequences that serve as templates for protein synthesis. Bacterial mRNAs are generally primary transcripts in that they do not require post-transcriptional processing. Eukaryotic mRNA is synthesized in the nucleus and must be exported to the cytoplasm for translation. Most eukaryotic mRNAs have a sequence of polyadenylic acid at the 3' end, referred to as the poly(A) tail. The function of this tail is not known for certain, but it may play a role in the export of mature mRNA from the nucleus as well as in helping stabilize some mRNA molecules by retarding their degradation in the cytoplasm. Messenger RNA,Messenger RNA, Polyadenylated,Poly(A) Tail,Poly(A)+ RNA,Poly(A)+ mRNA,RNA, Messenger, Polyadenylated,RNA, Polyadenylated,mRNA,mRNA, Non-Polyadenylated,mRNA, Polyadenylated,Non-Polyadenylated mRNA,Poly(A) RNA,Polyadenylated mRNA,Non Polyadenylated mRNA,Polyadenylated Messenger RNA,Polyadenylated RNA,RNA, Polyadenylated Messenger,mRNA, Non Polyadenylated

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