The Failure of Pyruvate and Arsenite to Alter Alcohol Metabolism

Abstract

The effect of Na pyruvate on the metabolism of alcohol was studied in 18 dogs by determining the rate of fall of blood alcohol concn. with and without the admn. of pyruvate. Pyruvate did not influence the rate of fall of alcohol concn. in normal dogs, no in dogs fasted as long as 144 hrs. The same results were obtained whether alcohol or pyruvate or both were administered intraven. or by mouth. The effect of Na arsenite was studied in 6 rabbits and 6 dogs by the same technic. Arsenite did not retard the metabolism of alcohol even in amts. approaching the lethal dose.