Activity of Alcohol Dehydrogenase and AcetaldehydeDehydrogenases in the Liver and Placenta during theDevelopment of the Rat

Abstract

The ontogenetic development of the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH I and II) was followed in rats. ADH could be detected just before birth and increased gradually to reach 82% of adult values at 47 days. ALDH I and II were present from day 15 of gestation, increased rapidly at birth, and reached 80-90% adult values at 47 days. The ratio between ALDH and ADH activities decreased gradually during ontogenesis. The relative subcellular distribution of all enzymes was identical before birth, 7 days after birth and in adults. The placental activities of ADH and ALDH I and II were studied at 15 and 20 days of pregnancy. ADH could not be detected in placentas. Low activities of ALDH I and II were present in placentas studied at 15 days of gestation, and still lower activities were found in placenta at 20 days.