Evaluation of alcoholic intoxication depending of the level of brain ethanol-metabolizing enzymes in death from ischemic heart disease
Morozov, I.E.
Sudebno-Meditsinskaia Ekspertiza 44(4): 14-18
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-4521 PMID: 11561510 Document Number: 535073
Activities of alcohol dehydrogenases (ADG), aldehyde dehydrogenases (AlDG), and NADH+ dehydrogenases were measured by histochemical methods in neurons and capillaries of the gyrus cinguli and medulla oblongata of subjects dead from coronary disease. Enzymatic activities were found to depend on the stage of alcoholic intoxication. During resorption, characterized by reversible ethanol oxidation, the activities of AlDG and NADH+ dehydrogenases decreased, while during elimination the activities of these enzymes increased. ADG activity in cerebral tissue was increased during the entire period of alcoholic intoxication. The duration of alcoholic intoxication is determined by the amount of consumed ethanol and activity of AlDG. These regularities can be used for forensic medical evaluation of the role of alcoholic intoxication in coronary death.