title: Non-linear kinetics of ethanol elimination in man: medico-legal applications of the terminal concentration-time data analysis.
abstract: Research regarding parameters suitable for reporting on the activity of enzymatic systems responsible for ethanol metabolism is of obvious interest in medico-legal practice. Blood ethanol concentration-time curves, following oral administration of ethanol, have been developed for ethylic and non-ethylic subjects. This study has confirmed the non-linear kinetics of ethanol elimination; however, existing non-linear models appear to be inadequate for usual medico-legal practice, because of their complexity. We observed three phases during the elimination of ethanol. The first order terminal phase is characterized by its half-life. This parameter seems adequate as a basis for determining the activity of enzyme systems responsible for the metabolism of ethanol.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol