Modulation of Hepatic Glutamate Transporters by MC-100093 in Male and Female Alcohol-Preferring Rats Exposed to Ethanol

Background/Objective: Prolonged ethanol use can induce behavioral and physiological alterations and impair the liver’s capacity to metabolize ethanol, leading to hepatocyte injury. The spectrum of this disease ranges from fat accumulation to severe liver damage, including alcohol-related hepatitis and cirrhosis. MC-100093, a beta-lactam non-antibiotic compound, is known to modulate glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and reduce ethanol drinking. Therefore, this study examined the effects of two optimal doses of MC-100093 on ethanol consumption and, consequently, ethanol-induced hepatic injury in both male and female alcohol-preferring (P) rats.