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Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder

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Hyperprolactinemia following chronic alcohol administration.

Dipak K Sarkar¹

¹Endocrine Program, Biomedical Division of the Center of Alcohol Studies and Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, N.J., USA.

Frontiers of Hormone Research

|July 10, 2010

Summary

Ethanol consumption, or alcohol intake, is a risk factor for elevated prolactin (PRL) levels, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia. Chronic alcohol use in animal models increases pituitary lactotrope proliferation via complex signaling pathways.

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Neuroscience
Toxicology

Background:

Elevated prolactin (PRL) levels, or hyperprolactinemia, are reported in individuals with alcohol use disorders.
Alcohol-induced hyperprolactinemia has been observed in both human and animal studies, suggesting ethanol as a risk factor.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanisms by which ethanol consumption influences prolactin (PRL) production and pituitary lactotrope proliferation.
To elucidate the molecular signaling pathways involved in ethanol's effects on lactotropes.

Main Methods:

Animal studies involving chronic ethanol administration.
Analysis of pituitary lactotrope proliferation and plasma PRL levels.
Investigation of signaling pathways including dopamine D2 receptors, TGF-beta, and b-FGF.

Main Results:

Chronic ethanol administration elevated plasma PRL levels and increased pituitary lactotrope proliferation in animal models.
Ethanol's effects involve modulation of dopamine D2 receptor signaling, TGF-beta pathway, and b-FGF production.
MAP kinase p44/42 pathway activation is implicated in b-FGF production and secretion.

Conclusions:

Ethanol consumption is a significant risk factor for hyperprolactinemia.
Ethanol disrupts normal lactotrope function through complex molecular signaling, impacting PRL production and cell proliferation.
Targeting these pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for alcohol-related endocrine disturbances.