Studies on the Pathogenesis of the Ethanol-induced Fatty Liver. II. Effect of Ethanol on Palmitate-1-C14 Metabolism by the Isolated Perfused Rat Liver*

Abstract

Experiments are presented concerning the effects of ethanol on the uptake and metabolism of C14-palmitate by the isolated perfused rat liver. Palmitate was added to the perfusing medium in near physiological (8 mg. or approximately 10 times physiological (100 mg.) amounts). All ethanol studies were carried out at an initial concentration of 400 mg./100 ml. These studies showed a decreased release of labeled palmitate by the isolated perfused rat liver but no diminution in the uptake of fatty acid. A decreased release of triglyceride from the liver was accompanied by an increased retention of label in the liver, mostly in the form of triglycerides. The data presented indicate that in the isolated perfused liver, ethanol at high concentrations is able to exert a direct effect on the metabolism and transport of triglycerides by the liver.