New perspectives in catalase-dependent ethanol metabolism

The notion that catalase is a minor pathway of ethanol oxidation must be reexamined in view of recent work. Studies with aminotriazole demonstrate clearly that catalase can be the predominant pathway of ethanol metabolism. In addition, these studies illustrate that caution must be used in interpretation of work with aminotriazole unless the extent of inhibition of catalase is controlled carefully. Studies of rates of oxidation of butanol, a specific substrate for alcohol dehydrogenase, and methanol, a substrate for catalase, indicate that peroxidation via catalase supported by H2O2 formed by the peroxisomal beta-oxidation of fatty acids is the predominant pathway of alcohol oxidation in the fasted state.