Adaptive unfolded protein response attenuates alcohol-induced pancreatic damage.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses (collectively known the unfolded protein response [UPR]) have important roles in several human disorders, but their contribution to alcoholic pancreatitis is not known. We investigated the role of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), a UPR regulator, in prevention of alcohol-induced ER stress in the exocrine pancreas.

Methods

Wild-type and Xbp1(+/-) mice were fed control or ethanol diets for 4 weeks. Pancreatic tissue samples were then examined by light and electron microscopy to determine pancreatic alterations; UPR regulators were analyzed biochemically.

Results

In wild-type mice, ethanol activated a UPR, increasing pancreatic levels of XBP1 and XBP1 targets such as protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). In these

SUBMITTER: Lugea A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3057335 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature