Acetaldehyde in Relation to Intoxication by Ethyl Alcohol

Abstract

Tetraethylthiuram disulfide was administered to rats intraperitoneally (30 mg. suspended in 0.5 ml. 2-3% Na alginate/200 g. rat). Admn. by stomach tube of 5 ml. 30% ethanol 15-16 hrs. later led to blood acetaldehyde levels of 1100-1800 [mu]/g.% compared with 90-600 [mu]g.% in control rats. Small amts. of acetaldehyde may be formed during deproteinization of whole blood containing ethanol, but this effect is not influenced by tetraethylthiuram disulfide. Acetaldehyde given intraperitoneally (2 ml. 5% soln./ 200 g. rat) produced rapid collapse and unconsciousness with slowed heart rhythm. Cerebral anoxia, following a cardiovascular disturbance, is suggested as the cause of collapse. Rats during recovery may have 4000-6000 [mu]g.% blood acetaldehyde without obvious sighs of intoxication.