Acute effects of ethanol on protein synthesis in the rat

The effect of ethanol, administered acutely (75 mmol kg-1), on protein synthesis in the whole body and in the tissues of the rat was investigated. Ethanol decreased whole-body protein synthesis by 41% and also that in individual tissues (liver: 60%; muscle: 75%; heart: 45%; kidney: 59%; spleen: 73%; plasma protein: 44%; lung: 64%). These data indicate a generalised effect upon protein synthesis and are discussed in relation to the possible mode of action of ethanol.