Metallothionein (MT) isoforms in the central nervous system (CNS): regional and cell-specific distribution and potential functions as an antioxidant.

Abstract

Similar to the "housekeeping" functions ascribed to MTs in other tissues, central nervous system (CNS) metallothioneins (MTs) are implicated in metal metabolism, cellular repair processes, growth and differentiation, where they are likely to serve as the source of zinc for newly synthesized apoenzymes, as well as regulator molecules in gene expression. Additional likely functions of MTs include control of intracellular redox potential, and metal detoxification. This manuscript will focus on (1) the distribution of MT isoforms within the CNS, with particular emphasis on the cell-specific localization of MTs and its significance, (2) emerging accounts on the function of MT as an antioxidant, and (3) the relationship between MT and ethanol (EtOH)-induced neurotoxicity in a model system of neonatal rat primary astrocyte cultures.