Effect of lysine and diethanolamine-rutin on blood levels, withdrawal reaction, and acute toxicity of ethanol in mice.

The effects of L-Lysine and diethanolamine-rutin on blood ethanol levels and withdrawal convulsions following a 4-day exposure to ethanol vapors were evaluated in 30-40-g male Swiss-Webster mice. The animals were exposed in groups, along with simultaneous controls, in a 34-liter dynamic Plexiglas exposure chamber. Blood was collected by retro-orbital puncture and analyzed enzymatically for ethanol. At the end of the inhalation period, convulsions on handling were scored over 24 hr. In addition, the effects of L-Lysine and diethanolamine-rutin on blood ethanol levels and on acute ethanol toxicity following oral and intraperitoneal administration were evaluated. L-Lysine lowered blood ethanol levels following inhalation or oral administration of ethanol. Diethanolamine-rutin had no effect on blood ethanol levels. Both L-Lysine and diethanolamine-rutin decreased the withdrawal reaction in dependent mice. L-Lysine increased the oral LD50 of ethanol, while diethanolamine-rutin decreased the intraperitoneal LD50 of ethanol.