[Aldehyde dehydrogenase in rats during the acute administration of ethanol]

One hour after intraperitoneal administration of ethanol at a dose of 3.5 g/kg the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3) decreased in n. accumbens capillaries of the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and in neurocytes of the sensomotor cortex. This indicates a transient weakening of aldehyde-metabolizing activity, particularly in the region of the cerebral neocortex. Six hours later the activity of the enzyme in most brain structures was increased, which is the manifestation of neurochemical adaptation to the elevated level of aldehydes.