Effects of ethanol and dihydroergotoxine on mouse brain myelin components.

The effects of prolonged consumption of ethanol, dihydroergotoxine (Hydergine) and Hydergine-plus-ethanol on brain myelin components isolated from the medulla oblongata of mouse brain were examined. Based on protein content, the amount of myelin isolated from the brain tissue was not different with regard to the various treatments. However, there was a significant decrease (20%) in myelin phospholipid and cholesterol to protein ratios in the ethanol group as compared to controls and the Hydergine-treated group. On the contrary, the Hydergine and Hydergine-ethanol groups had higher cholesterol to phospholipid ratios than controls. In spite of the changes in membrane components, little change in acyl group composition of the phosphoglycerides was found in myelin.