Metabolism and Intoxication

Question 1

What is the substrate for Aldehyde dehydrogenase?

Answer 1

Acetaldehyde

Question 2

What is the order of Alcohol metabolism?

Answer 2

Alcohol to Acetaldehyde by Alcohol Dehydrogenase
Acetaldehyde to Acetate by Aldehyde dehydrogenase
Acetate to CO2 and H2O

Question 3

What chemical causes a hangover?

Answer 3

Acetaldehyde

Question 4

What is the cause of alcohol intolerance?

Answer 4

Defective Aldehyde dehydrogenase

So Acetaldehyde is not broken down and hence immediate feelings of hangover

Question 5

Where do H+ ions come from after heavy drinking?

Answer 5

In excess drinking other pathways are switched on eg CP450 which produces H+ ions

Question 6

Consequences of H+ ions due to heavy drinking?

Answer 6

Inhibition of gluconeogensis causing hypoglycaemia
Anaerobic respiration so lactic acid
Impaired oxidation so high ketones so excess lipid synthesis

Question 7

What is Antabuse?

Answer 7

Disulfiram
Drug that inhibits Aldehyde dehydrogenase
Acetaldehyde is not broken down so acute hangover symptoms and sensitivity to alcohol
Used to support alcoholics quitting

Question 8

Treatment for methanol toxicity?

Answer 8

Ethanol and dialysis

Question 9

Treatment for withdrawal?

Answer 9

Diazepam