Effect of Acute Ethanol Intoxication on Liver and Plasma Lipid Fractions of the Rat

Abstract

Plasma and liver lipid fractions of rats were studied 8 and 16 hours after administration of a single oral intoxicating dose of ethanol. When compared to rats which received an isocaloric amount of glucose, no differences were noted in plasma phosphatide, cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations. Liver weight and triglyceride concentrations were significantly elevated 8 and 16 hours after ethanol administration. The increase in liver neutral fat was not prevented by the simultaneous administration of choline and was not associated with alterations in liver or plasma phospholipid metabolism. The possible mechanisms of the development of a fatty liver following acute ethanol intoxication are discussed with particular reference to its possible hepatotoxic action.