AN ALCOHOL DETOXICATION MECHANISM IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
JOHN G. DEWAN M. D., PH. D. 1
1 The Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto.
1. An alcohol oxidation mechanism has been found to be present in brain. The extraction and analysis of the system has been described.
2. Two members of the vitamin B complex, namely nicotinic acid and riboflavin, are components, i. e., they are essential for brain to metabolize alcohol.
3. The possible role of the mechanism in the economy of the central nervous system has been discussed. It has been suggested that it may function as a detoxicating or protective device when alcohol is used in narcotic concentrations.
Investigations are being carried out to determine the chemical steps in the metabolism of alcohol by brain.
