Changes in Protein, RNA and DNA Content in Various Rat Organs after Long-ter m Intake of Ethanol

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Abstract
Male Wistar rats were given ethanol (approximately 25% of total caloric intake), while 2 different control groups were pair-fed isocaloric amounts of lipids or sucrose. After 7-10 wk, the following organs were studied: liver, cerebrum, heart, diaphragm, kidneys and testes. In fasted, ethanol treated rats there was a reduction in hepatic RNA concentration and cerebral RNA/DNA ratio, when compared to both control groups, while no effects were found with respect to organ weight and amounts of protein, RNA or DNA in heart, diaphragm, kidneys and testes. When fed, ethanol treated animals were compared to both control groups, no effects on organ weight and composition were found in any tissue studied. Several significant differences were registered in the ethanol group as compared to 1 control group only, as well as between the 2 control groups. The consumption of ethanol (25% of total calories) caused only minor changes in gross organ composition. Any apparent effect of ethanol ingestion must be interpreted with care, unless at least 2 different control groups were employed.