Plasma and liver amino acids in rats after administration of ethanol or acetaldehyde

The changes in the level and pattern of free amino acids in plasma and liver after ethanol or acetaldehyde intoxication has been investigated in rats. After administration of 30% (w/v) ethanol, 6 g kg-1, or 1.5% (w/v) acetaldehyde, 0.3 ml kg-1, for 4 weeks we found a decrease in plasma and liver branched-chain amino acids and an increase in plasma aromatic amino acids and methionine. The results are analogous to those found in studies of damaged liver.