Ethanol-host interactions determined by radiorespirometry of 14C glucoses

1. Theoretical considerations in continuous flow analysis by Walker, Shepherdson and McGowan have been applied to continuous flow radiorespirometry of 14C-glucoses to demonstrate ethanol response differences between water- and ethanol preferring mice. 2. Ethanol dosages in the n mols/kg range stimulated glucose utilization rates more in ethanol-than in water-preferring mice, while intermediate dosages (micron and low mmol/kg) produced equal stimulation but at different dosages. Pharmacological dosages (20-88 mmols/kg) inhibited glucose rates in water-preferring mice. The inhibition was released at 44 mmols/kg in ethanol-preferring mice. 3. Inhibition release was shown to be associated more with glucose carbons other than one, and considered consistent with a sodium-plus potassium-activated ATPase mechanism. 4. Intermediate ethanol dosage changes could be assigned to differences induced in glucose carbon one metabolism with H2O2-catalase and/or microsomal-ethanol-oxidizing systems (MEOS) mechanisms. 5. Our studies suggest that measurements of adenylate deaminase activities might clarify shifts in transaminations (human) and shifts in mononucleotides seen following chronic ethanol ingestion.