Distribution of Disulfiram and Its Chief Metabolites over Erythrocyte Cell Membranes and Inactivation of Erythrocyte Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity

Abstract

The distribution of disulfiram (Antabuse over erythrocyte cell membranes and the inhibitory action of the parent drug and its metabolites on a disulfiram sensitive erythrocyte isozyme of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) was investigated in intact and haemolyzed human erythrocytes. These studies showed that not only disulfiram but also its bis(diethyldithiocarbamato) copper complex (Cu(DDC)2) were distributed over the erythrocyte cell membranes. In addition, disulfiram was the only substance examined that inactivaed erythrocyte ALDH, a reaction which was dependent on the concentration of disulfiram added.