Altered messenger-RNA expression of glutathione-dependent enzymes after single and repeated exposure to ethanol

1The effect of ethanol (0.2-2.5%) on glutathione S-transferase-pi and glutathione peroxidase mRNA expression was studied in NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts after single and fractionated exposure to ethanol. After single exposure to 1.5% ethanol an elevation of about 1.6 fold of glutathione S-transferase-pi mRNA level was found, while a reduction of about two fold of glutathione peroxidase mRNA expression in treated cells was measured compared to control cells. Similar effects were found in cells after fractionated ethanol administration. Therefore, repeated exposure to ethanol (1.5%, 2.5%) showed no stronger alterations in the mRNA expression of both glutathione dependent enzymes.