Pathology Flashcards
What is the name of the alcohol that we consume?
Ethanol
What type of alcohol is typically present in antifreeze?
Methanol
What is methanol metabolised to?
Formaldehyde then formic acid
What happens if methanol consumption is left untreated?
Blindness along with a whole host of other things
What is the treatment for methanol toxicity?
Alcohol (ethanol consumption) with/without dialysis
Why is the treatment for methanol toxicity drinking ethanol?
Both are metabolised by alcohol dehydrogenase.
Competitive inhibition. Drinking ethanol means you don’t make formic acid
Is alcohol mainly absorbed in the stomach?
No
Minimal absorption in stomach
Absorbed in small intestine
What drugs increase gastric emptying?
Antihistamines and metoclopramide
Are higher percentage or lower percentage drinks absorbed faster?
Lower
Don’t irritate stomach as much
Are aerated drinks absorbed faster?
Yes
Is alcohol water soluble?
Yes
Why are men able to tolerate more alcohol?
More lean mass + higher blood volume for same weight.
Bigger pool for dilution.
Women have a lower level of alcohol dehydrogenase.
What is alcohol converted to during metabolism?
Acetaldehyde
What does acetaldehyde react with in order to form acetate?
Aldehyde dehydrogenase
What is acetate broken down into?
CO2 and H2O
Where is alcohol metabolised?
90% - liver
Also in pancreas and brain
When does alcohol consumption typically peak?
60mins after consumption
Why can certain ethnic groups not consume alcohol?
Low levels or no alcohol dehydrogenase
Does regularly consuming alcohol increase tolerance?
Yes
Can upregulate alcohol dehydrogenase
Alternative pathways can be activated
MEOS
Catalase
CP450
What are the consequences of the MEOS pathway?
Production of hydrogen ions that are disposed of by:
- inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis
- inhibiting citric acid cycle
- inhibiting fatty acid oxidation
What does the MEOS pathway do to the Kreb’s cycle?
Switches to anaerobic metabolism
More likely to produce lactic acid
What state is alcoholic ketoacidosis associated with?
Malnourished state
What is the pathology of alcoholic ketoacidosis?
Excess NADH Impaired fatty acid metabolism Ketogenesis Excess lipid synthesis Fasting state Can result in death
What part of the brain is responsible for consciousness?
Reticular formation (upper brain stem)
Why does alcohol make you pee more?
Directly inhibits ADH
What is holiday heart syndrome?
Supraventricular tachycardia due to lottsa drinking
