Levels of RNA, mRNA and separation of ribosomal proteins from control and ethanol treated rat liver, showed no change in total RNA content, but poly(A+)mRNA was reduced significantly in ethanolic rats. Ribosomal proteins S2, S3a, S3b, S4, L3, L4, L4a, L10a and L15 were found substantially reduced in experimental rat livers. This study suggests decrease in poly(A+) mRNA coupled with loss of ribosomal proteins must be responsible for decreased protein synthesis in chronic alcoholism.