Alterations and mobilization of lipids in acute ethanol-treated rats

¹ Department of Physiology, University of Tennessee Medical Units, Memphis, Tennessee

The hypothesis of augmented peripheral lipid mobilization as a factor in the development of the acute ethanol-induced fatty liver was evaluated. Rats received by oral intubation a single dose of either ethanol, isocaloric glucose, or sodium chloride and were killed 2–16 hr later. Indices of lipid mobilization were changes in the triglyceride content of epididymal fat depots and alterations in plasma free fatty acids (FFA). Acute ethanol-treated rats displayed a significant increase in hepatic triglycerides 4–16 hr after intubation. The body weight loss, plasma FFA, and depletion of triglyceride from epididymal fat pads were similar in all groups. Thus, by these parameters, acute ethanol intoxication does not enhance lipid mobilization.