ETHANOL METABOLISM AND PRODUCTION OF FREE ACETATE IN THE HUMAN LIVER

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Abstract
The disappearance of ethanol and the formation of acetate in the splanchnic area were measured in human subjects through analysis of arterial and hepatic venous blood. At the same time liver blood flow and splanchnic oxygen consumption were determined. A quantity of acetate corresponding to 50 to 100% of the ethanol metabolized was found in blood from the hepatic veins. The arterial acetate concentration reached a constant level of about 0.8mM (50 [mu]g per ml) shortly after administration of ethanol. Splanchnic oxygen consumption was not significantly changed by the infusion of ethanol, whereas the hepatic blood flow showed a small but significant decrease. Formation of ketone bodies by the liver was not significantly changed when ethanol was given, but the ratio acetoacetate-[beta]-hydroxybutyrate decreased to about half the control value. Lactate concentration in the arterial blood increased during ethanol infusion, but this was not exclusively caused by an increased output from the liver. The significance of the findings in relation to the regulation of liver metabolism is discussed.