Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Friday, December 7, 2007

The Effects of Ethanol Consumption on Vasculogenesis Potential in Nonhuman Primates
Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (OnlineEarly Articles) 7 Dec 2007


Vasculogenesis is essential to the preservation and repair of damaged or diseased vessels. Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug among young adults, but its effects on vessel growth and repair are unknown. The basis of vascular repair is endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) recruitment to assist in the formation of new vascular network (vasculogenesis).

Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure the effects of ethanol consumption on the production, mobilization and vasculogenesis potential EPCs in nonhuman primates.

There were greater numbers of nonhematopoeitic stromal cells (CD45−) and putative mesenchymal progenitor cells (CD45−/CD44+) in the PB and BM of Alcohol versus Control monkeys . Additionally, there were greater numbers of EPCs (CD45−/CD133+/KDR+) in the BM and PB of Alcohol versus Control monkeys (p <>

Ethanol consumption in monkeys markedly increased the production and mobilization of EPCs, but decreased their ability to form capillaries. The pathophysiologic consequences of such effects are unclear, but may represent an ethanol-induced chronic stress on the BM, resulting in EPC.

Read Full Abstract


Request Reprint E-Mail: kwilliam@wfubmc.edu
___________________________________________________________________
at