Differential STAT5 activation and phenotypic marker expression by immune cells following low levels of ethanol consumption in mice

Ethanol has been recognized as an immunosuppressive agent for many years. Effects of high levels of ethanol consumption on immune functions have been extensively studied, but little is known about the effects of low levels (scuh as 5% ethanol) of ethanol consumption. Herein we report that exposure of mice to 5% ethanol for 4-8 weeks decreases IL-2-augmented splenic NK cell activity, decreases the numbers of NK cells in spleen and liver, decreases the number of granulocytes (Gr-1⁺) in bone marrow and spleen, and decreases the percentages of B cells in liver. In contrast, the percentages of CD4⁺CD8⁺ thymocytes, CD4⁺CD8^- splenocytes, CD4⁺CD8^- liver nonparenchymal cells, CD3⁺ splenocytes, and CD3⁺ bone marrow cells were increased. Furthermore, exposure to 5% ethanol increases STAT5 activation in T cells and liver cells while decreases STAT5 activation in NK cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that low levels of ethanol consumption can differentially modulate immune cells in thymus, spleen, bone marrow and liver, which may be due to differential regulation of STAT5 activation by ethanol.