Differential effect of ethanol consumption on hamster liver microsomal electron transport systems

The effect of 28-day ethanol consumption on hamster liver microsomal electron transport systems and associated enzymatic activities has been examined. Microsomes isolated from ethanol-consuming hamsters showed increased levels of cytochrome P-450 and NADPH supported enzymatic activities. In contrast, reductions in the amount of cytochrome b5 and the NADH-supported rate of stearoyl-CoA desaturase were observed. NADH-cytochrome c reductase was decreased while a small increase in NADH-ferricyanide reductase was observed. These data suggest that decreased stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity is the result of lowered cytochrome b5 levels in microsomes isolated from ethanol-consuming hamsters.