Ethanol potentiates the toxic effects of 1,4-butanediol

The simultaneous administration of ethanol increases the mortality rate and tissue damage observed in rats after 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD). A related increase in tissue 1,4-BD concentration supported the hypothesis of an in vivo competition of the two substances for alcohol dehydrogenase. The clinical implications of the results, in light of the recent discovery of the presence of endogenous 1,4-BD in humans are discussed.