HYPOXIA AND ETHANOL - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY

Metabolic effects of hypoxia and ethanol on the cell has been comparat ively studied. The obtained data suggest their similar molecular-cellu lar mechanisms. One of the main disturbing effects of both hypoxia and ethanol is disruption of the cellular energy metabolism. It is relate d to restricted electron transport function of mitochondrical respirat ory chain at the level of the first enzyme complex, which inhibits oxi dation of the pyridine-dependent substrates, causes hyperreduction of the NAD-dependent part of the respiratory chain, and significantly dec rease the ranges of ATP synthesis during oxidative phosphorylation. Th e experiments were carried out on male and female white mongrel rats. The influences of oxygen deficiency and ethanol on the organism were s tudied on a decompression chamber model of hypobaric hypoxia and on is olated perfused heart. Preexposition of the animals in conditions of m oderate hypoxia as well as preadministration of low ethanol dose prove d to significantly enhance individual resistance to acute hypoxic hypo xia. Not only preventive action of moderate ethanol doses enhance the resistance to hypoxia, but also the converse preventive treatment by l ight hypoxia might improve state of the organism during alcoholic into xication.