Relation of Blood Acetaldehyde Level to Clinical Symptoms in the Disulfiram-Alcohol Reaction

Abstract

The effect of alcohol intake on blood acetaldehyde level in human subjects during rest was examined before and after treatment with Disulfiram (tetraethylthiuram disulfide). Following intake of alcohol only, the proportion of acetaldehyde in the blood increased, which was to some extent dependent on alcohol dose. Values between 0.59 and 1.7 mg./100 ml. of acetaldehyde were found. After premedication with Disulfiram, intake of alcohol gave a higher acetaldehyde concn. The highest and lowest values were 2.51 and 0.639 mg./l00 ml. acetaldehyde in arterial blood. In the expts. with alcohol only, acetaldehyde concn. reached values of the same order of magnitude as those seen in Disulfiram-alcohol reactions, but without any signs of such reaction. It seems as if a high acetaldehyde concn. in the blood does not alone suffice to release the characteristic reaction. Alcohol intake after pre-treatment with Disulfiram caused a rise in the proportion of blood acetaldehyde with increasing dosage of Disulfiram, but only up to about 4.5 g. of the compound during the 3 days preceding the test. The degree of clinical reaction became more pronounced with increasing dosage of Disulfiram, but a medium reaction was released after the admn. of a total of 1.5-2 g. during 3 days.