Distribution and differential induction of CYP2E1 by ethanol and acetone in the mesocorticolimbic system of rat

Aims: The expression of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) in the brain has been demonstrated in several regions, nevertheless there is a lack of specific studies on the constitutive expression and induction at the mesocorticolimbic system, the most relevant brain pathway in the context of drug addiction and alcoholism. Hence, we have performed a detailed study of the CYP2E1 expression and induction in three key areas of the mesocorticolimbic system of the rat brain: prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Methods: Expression levels of CYP2E1 were analyzed by Western blot. The induction of the enzyme in the selected brain areas by chronic acetone (1% v/v…