Mitochondrial and microsomal lipid peroxidation in rat liver after acute acetaldehyde and ethanol intoxication

The effects of acetaldehyde and ethanol treatments on hepatic lipid peroxidation are compared in rats after the administration of toxically corresponding doses. Wistar rats were given a single dose of acetaldehyde (0.5 g/kg) or ethanol (5 g/kg) intraperitoneally. The animals were killed 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h after treatments. The results indicate that acetaldehyde, like ethanol, stimulates hepatic lipid peroxidation and also selectively affects the hepatic mitochondria.