De Witte P
Belgium
Research Article
Ethane-β-Sultam Modifies the Activation of the Innate Immune System Induced by Intermittent Ethanol Administration in Female Adolescent Rats
Author(s): Stefanini C, Colivicchi MA, Della Corte L, Ward RJ, De Witte P, Lallemand F, Hemmings K, Pitard A, Page MI, Nayak K and Dexter DTStefanini C, Colivicchi MA, Della Corte L, Ward RJ, De Witte P, Lallemand F, Hemmings K, Pitard A, Page MI, Nayak K and Dexter DT
Intermittent ethanol abuse or ‘binge drinking’ during adolescence induces neuronal damage, which may be associated with cognitive dysfunction. To investigate the neurochemical processes involved, rats were administered either 1 g/kg or 2 g/kg ethanol in a ‘binge drinking’ regime. After only 3 weeks, significant activation of phagocytic cells in the peripheral (alveolar macrophages) and the hippocampal brain region (microglia cells) was present, as exemplified by increases in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the macrophages and of iNOS in the microglia. This was associated with neuronal loss in the hippocampus CA1 region. Daily supplementation with a taurine prodrug, ethane-β-sultam, 0.028 g/kg, during the intermittent ethanol loading regime, supressed the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and of reactive nitrogen species, as well as neu.. View More»
