STUDIES ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF THE ETHANOL-INDUCED FATTY LIVER. I. SYNTHESIS AND OXIDATION OF FATTY ACIDS BY THE LIVER*

Abstract

Studies were carried out in the rat on the effects of ethanol on acetate-1-C14 oxidation to C14O2- Ethanol stimulated acetate incorporation and this still occurred after hypo-physectomy and cordotomy, conditions which prevent development of fatty liver by ethanol. Palmitate oxidation was reduced by ethanol. Again, this reduction in oxidation occurred although the fatty liver could be prevented. It is concluded that fatty liver following acute ethanol intoxication in rats is not directly related to an increased synthesis or a decreased oxidation of fatty acids in the liver, but rather to derangements in lipid transport.