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