Main ethanol metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH I and ADH IV): biochemical functions and the physiological manifestation

The range of the biochemical reactions which can be catalyzed by ADH I and ADH IV is extremely wide. The most characterized functions of these enzymes are protection against excess endogenous acetaldehyde, products of lipid p eroxidation, exogenous alcohols and some xenobiotics. It was found also tha t ADH I and ADH IV are important members of the enzyme system synthesizing retinoic acid (especially during embryogenesis), They can oxidize some ster oids and participate in bioamine and prostaglandin metabolism but so far th e extent of their contribution to the latter processes is under discussion. Recent data suggest a correlation between the activity of ADH I in some or gans and fine physiological processes including behavior regulation and cra ving for alcohol in albino rats. (C) 2000 Federation of European Biochemica l Societies, Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.