YCC 5 |
| Vitamin A and its derivatives support a wide range of biological actions essential for development, differentiation, vision, reproduction, and immune response. The effect of ethanol on some vitamin A derivatives (retinol and retinyl ester) have been studied to a limited extent, however, little information is available on the impact of ethanol on retinoic acid (RA). RA is the major active metabolite of vitamin A responsible for a multitude of systemic and specific effects through transcription of numerous genes. Ethanol-altered RA levels are postulated to be involved in the aberrant development seen in alcohol-related developmental disorders, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and in alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction; however, the mechanism by which ethanol alters steady-state levels of RA is complex and requires direct experimental verification. Direct quantification of endogenous retinoic acid in specific loci would contribute to understanding retinoid function; however, low endogenous concentrations and small tissue sizes of specific loci previously hampered quantification of RA in individual animals/embryos. We have developed a sensitive, specific LC/MS/MS assay for RA and/or its isomers. Here, we present data on improvements to our existing RA assay and examine the effect of ethanol on RA levels and retinoid metabolism in adult and embryonic mouse tissue. |
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The Chemistry of Alcohol
1:30 PM-4:15 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Marriott Convention Center -- Julia, Oral
Younger Chemists Committee |