Differential changes in cell morphology, macromolecular composition and membrane protein profiles of neurons and astrocytes in chronic ethanol treated rats.

Cellular morphology, macromolecular composition, (DNA, RNA and Protein content) marker enzyme activities for neurons [neuron specific enolase (NSE)] and astrocytes [glutamine synthetase (GS)] and plasma membrane protein profiles in the bulk isolated neurons and astrocytes from control and ethanol treated rats were studied. One month aged Wistar rats were given ethanol as sole drinking fluid for 10 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a characteristic cell surface smoothening in astrocytes due to ethanol treatment. DNA levels were unaltered, while RNA and Protein contents were decreased in astrocytes and neurons. Further, 3H-leucine incorporation into proteins was decreased in neurons and astrocytes derived from ethanol treated rats indicating reduced protein synthesis in neurons and astrocytes. GS activity was affected severely suggesting impairment in astrocytic functions. Plasma membrane protein composition was analyzed by 2-D electrophoresis. The analysis indicated several protein defects in the plasma membranes of neurons and astrocytes, which might be involved in 'membrane disorder' during ethanol challenge. 125I-Wheat Germ agglutinin binding studies showed three prominent proteins (160, 116 and 97 kDa) in astrocyte membrane fraction suggesting the possible involvement of N-terminal glycoproteins in altered astrocyte morphology during ethanol ingestion. Impairment in the astrocyte cell functions, protein changes in plasma membrane and cellular morphology studies suggest that astrocytes may be more vulnerable than neurons for ethanol effects.