Expression of CYP2E1 by human monocyte-derived macrophages

The expression of the ethanol-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1) in human monocyte-derived macrophages was studied at the mRNA and protein levels. The presence of mRNA was investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein by immunocytochemistry. The data show that CYP2E1 is expressed in human monocyte-derived macrophages at a level similar to that demonstrated in other extrahepatic tissues. Although there is circumstantial evidence for the presence of CYP2E1 in human macrophages, it has not previously been demonstrated directly. Its presence in macrophages underlines the potential importance of these cells in initiating alcohol-induced cytotoxicity.