EFFECTS OF ETHANOL ON THE DEVELOPING RAT .1. ETHANOL-METABOLISM AND EFFECTS ON LACTATE, PYRUVATE, AND GLUCOSE-CONCENTRATIONS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 58  (3) , 158-163
Abstract
Ethanol, 27.1 mmol/kg or saline was administered to 120 rats in the weight classes of 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g. Metabolic rate of ethanol (g/kg .times. min-1) was > 3-fold higher in adult animals than newborns. Lactate to pyruvate ratio was unchanged in lowest weight class but increased in all others. Using freeze-clamp technique to determine liver lactate to pyruvate ratio, the ratio was significantly higher in ethanol-treated rats in all weight classes. Ethanol induced a significant hypoglycemia only in the lowest weight class. Metabolic responses to ethanol were different during various stages of development in the rat.