Effects of permanent and filial ethanol consumption on rat brain (Na + K)-activated adenosine triphosphatase (A.G. rats)

Abstract

CNS (Na + K)-ATPase has been considered to be involved in the depressant action of ethanol, through the inhibitory effect on this enzyme at concentrations below lethal. In chronic ethanol fed rats an adaptative increase of brain (Na +K)-ATPase has been reported as a possible mechanism acting in the developing of CNS tolerance. The authors' results show significant increase in (Na +K)-ATPase in every CNS area assessed, after permanent and filial ethanol intake. Cerebellum and midbrain demonstrated a preferential increase in (Na + K)-ATPase with respect to total microsomal protein content.