Effects of cyanamide and clofibrate on the enzymes of ethanol oxydation and on ethanol consumption in the rat.

The action of cyanamide and of clofibrate was studied on the voluntary drinking behaviour of alcohol intoxicated animals and also on the enzymes of ethyl oxydation. Both substances reduce alcohol consumption by about 35% and cause metabolic modifications: inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase and of catalase by cyanamide; activation of alcohol- and aldehyde-dehydrogenases by clofibrate. These effects are constantly found in most of the tissues of the rat. The results are discussed bearing in mind the relationships between alcohol metabolism, acetaldehyde metabolism, the toxicity of alcohol and the drinking behaviour.