The Failure of Oxygen, Oxygen—Carbon Dioxide, or Pyruvate to Alter Alcohol Metabolism

Abstract

The effect of several agents on the rate of metabolism of alcohol, as indicated by the rate of decline in blood alcohol, was studied in dogs that had been given ethanol intraven. Inhalation of O2 or of 90% O2 with 10% CO2, was carried out for 30 min. without demonstrable effect on the rate of metabolism of ethanol. Na pyruvate, 10 g. dissolved in 125 cc. water, and administered by stomach tube, failed to affect the rate of metabolism of ethanol. A control group of animals was used for comparison.