Studies on the Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Breathing on the Rate of Ethanol Metabolism in Man

摘要

The initial step in the metabolism of ethyl alcohol in man is the oxidative removal of two hydrogen atoms from the hydroxy-methyl group of the compound, which is accomplished almost exclusively in the liver, and is catalyzed by the well-studied enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase. The hydrogen removed, along with other hydrogen or equivalent reducing substances from subsequent oxidative reactions on the derived acetaldehyde and acetate, is eventually transferred from the cell sap into the mitochondria where the electrons from the hydrogen are transported to combine ultimately with oxygen; the hydrogen-derived protons then are used to form water. It has never been determined whether the overall rate of ethanol oxidation might be accelerated by increasing the whole body, and presumably intrahepatic, pO2 to the maximal tolerable level. In two healthy male subjects, exposed twice for one hour to 100% oxygen at three atmospheres absolute pressure, no consistent or impressive acceleration in the disappearance of ethanol from whole blood and body water could be demonstrated. This work provides a significant clue in understanding the mechanism of ethanol-induced liver injury, and represents a merging of the disciplines of underwater physiology and biochemistry-cell biology. (Modified author abstract)