PMID: 7545981May 1, 1995Paper

Measuring and reporting the concentration of acetaldehyde in human breath

Alcohol and Alcoholism : International Journal of the Medical Council on Alcoholism
A W Jones

Abstract

Most of the acetaldehyde generated during the metabolism of ethanol becomes tightly bound to endogenous molecules such as haemoglobin, amino acids and certain phospholipids. Free acetaldehyde passes the blood-brain barrier and traces of this toxic metabolite are excreted through the lungs and can be detected in the expired air. The blood/air partition coefficient of acetaldehyde at 34 degrees C, the average temperature of end-expired air, is about 190:1. Because of various problems associated with measuring acetaldehyde in blood samples, several research groups have instead investigated the analysis of acetaldehyde in breath which offers an indirect and alternative approach for clinical and research purposes. However, care is needed when interpreting the results of breath acetaldehyde measurements, because of the possibility of local formation from microflora inhabiting the upper airways and mouth. The concentration of acetaldehyde exhaled in breath after drinking alcohol demonstrates large inter-individual differences depending on various genetic (racial) and environmental factors. Moreover, acetaldehyde is an endogenous metabolite and even without drinking any alcohol the concentrations expelled in breath span from 0.2 to 0.6...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Blood Brain Barrier Regulation in Health & Disease

The blood brain barrier is essential in regulating the movement of molecules and substances in and out of the brain. Disruption to the blood brain barrier and changes in permeability allow pathogens and inflammatory molecules to cross the barrier and may play a part in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Here is the latest research in this field.

Addiction

This feed focuses mechanisms underlying addiction and addictive behaviour including heroin and opium dependence, alcohol intoxication, gambling, and tobacco addiction.

Blood Brain Barrier Chips

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is comprised of endothelial cells that regulate the influx and outflux of plasma concentrations. Lab-on-a-chip devices allow scientists to model diseases and mechanisms such as the passage of therapeutic antibodies across the BBB. Discover the latest research on BBB chips here.

Blood Brain Barrier

The blood brain barrier is a border that separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid. Discover the latest search on this highly selective semipermeable membrane here.