Microsomes isolated from chronic ethanol-fed rats displayed elevated rates of malondialdehyde production when compared to pair-fed controls, but lower rates when compared to chow-fed controls. These differences did not correlate with total content of cytochrome P-450 or activity of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase. Titration curves with the potent iron-chelating agent desferrioxamine revealed that the content of iron was greater in microsomes from the chow-fed and lowest in microsomes from the pair-fed control. However, other variables must also exist since even when excess iron was added to the microsomes, the order of malondialdehyde production remained chow-fed > chronic ethanol > pair-fed control. The variabilities associated with the different controls and the role and content of transition metals such as iron probably contribute towards the divergent effects of ethanol on lipid peroxidation.
