Taurine modulates catalase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and ethanol elimination rates in rat brain

Chronic administration of either the sulphonated amino acid taurine (0.32 o r 0.62 g/kg for 2 weeks) or the catalase inhibitor, 3-amino, 1,2,4-triazole (AT: 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg for 5 days) significantly reduced catalase activities both in the brain and liver of male Wistar rats. The total brain activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase was significantly increased after the lower dose of taurine and after administration of both doses of AT. Hepatic alcohol de hydrogenase activity was not altered by either AT or taurine administration . In taurine-supplemented rats, a significant increase in the ethanol elimi nation rates (EER) was discernible in the livers after a 2 g/kg dose of eth anol. In contrast, significant decreases in the EER were observed in both p lasmas and livers of rats in which catalase was inhibited by AT. However, t he brain EERs were comparable in both catalase-inhibited and taurine-supple mented rats, both showing a decrease by comparison to controls. The similar psychopharmacological effects induced by both of these compounds on ethano l-induced effects might indicate that this is mediated in part via the cata lase pathway. Since both catalase and the EERs are diminished in the brain after the administration of either of these compounds, this may be an impor tant factor in the moderation of ethanol-induced behaviour.