Inhibition of N-nitrosodimethylamine metabolism by ethanol and other inhibitors in the isolated perfused rat liver.

The effects of several potential inhibitors of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) metabolism have been studied in isolated perfused rat livers. Low concentrations of ethanol (less than 0.5 mM) were found to strongly inhibit hepatic metabolism of NDMA. This effect does not require the metabolism of ethanol. The metabolism and toxicity of NDMA may therefore be influenced by the intake of alcohol as well as by ethanol produced endogenously by the intestinal flora. Other compounds found to inhibit NDMA metabolism include n-propanol, tert-butanol, 4-methylpyrazole, amino-triazole and acetaldehyde.