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Interactions of Ethanol with Ion Channels: Possible Implications for Mechanisms of Intoxication and Dependence

  • Chapter
Ion Channels and Ion Pumps

Part of the book series: Endocrinology and Metabolism ((EAM,volume 6))

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Abstract

There is much evidence that ethyl alcohol (ethanol, ET-OH), like other anesthetics, affects the central nervous system (CNS) by a direct nonspecific physical action on the excitable membranes. Thus ET-OH molecules may insert into the lipid layer, thereby affecting the mobility of the membrane lipids and the hydrophobic portion of the membrane proteins. It is possible that ET-OH may also act directly upon nerve membrane proteins, ie, ion channels and ion pumps.1–3 Thus several mechanisms of ET-OH action have been suggested: changes in membrane fluidity, direct action upon the receptor-ionophore complex, and action upon the proteins that regulate the function of this complex. Although no specific ET-OH effects on ion channels has been described to date, several interesting effects of ET-OH on ion currents and ion channels have been reported. The y-aminobutyric acid- (GABA) activated Cl~ channel, glutamate receptor-activated ion currents, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and sodium-, potassium-dependent, magnesium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na+K+-ATPase or NKA) are among those affected. It has been suggested by many investigators that the action of ET-OH on neuronal membranes may contribute substantially to ET-OH intoxication, tolerance, and dependence. These problems will be discussed below.

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Authors
  1. Wojciech Kostowski
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. 48323, 2104 Rhine Road, West Bloomfield, MI, USA

    Piero P. Foà M.D., Sc.D. (Professor Emeritus) (Professor Emeritus)

  2. Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, 48202, Detroit, MI, USA

    Piero P. Foà M.D., Sc.D. (Professor Emeritus) (Professor Emeritus)

  3. Section of Endocrinology,Department of Internal Medicine,School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 48202, Detroit, MI, USA

    Mary F. Walsh Ph.D. (Assistant Professor) (Assistant Professor)

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Kostowski, W. (1994). Interactions of Ethanol with Ion Channels: Possible Implications for Mechanisms of Intoxication and Dependence. In: Foà, P.P., Walsh, M.F. (eds) Ion Channels and Ion Pumps. Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol 6. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2596-6_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-2596-6_20

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