Effect of Alcohol on Urinary Zinc Excretion

Abstract

Studies in Zn metabolism have indicated excessive urinary Zn excretion in alcoholic patients with liver cirrhosis. Inhibition of the activity of the Zn-containing metalloenzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, at levels of concentration of ethanol comparable to those found in acute alcohol intoxication has been demonstrated. The effect of alcohol on Zn excretion in 11 male patients with alcoholism, 5 of whom had cirrhosis, was studied following the infusion of 1,000 cc. of 5% ethanol. Eleven normal male house -staff physicians were similarly studied following ingestion of ethanol to levels of moderate intoxication. Urinary Zn excretion was measured 24 hours before and 24 hours after the ingestion or infusion of alcohol. Zinc was determined by the method of Kagi and Vallee. There was no significant change in the urinary Zn excretion of normal individuals following the ingestion of ethanol. In 8 of the alcoholic patients the urinary Zn excretion was significantly above the normal of 400 [mu]g ([plus or minus] 150 S.D.)/24 hours but was not altered by the infusion of alcohol.