Effect of Ethanol on Oxygen Uptake and on Blood Glucose Concentration in Anesthetized Rabbits

In urethane‐anesthetized rabbits infusions of small doses of ethanol (0.2–0.4 g/kg) produced an immediate increase in oxygen uptake (10–15 per cent). There was also an increase in blood glucose. The increase in oxygen uptake was apparently not primarily due to increased skeletal muscle activity or to increased secretion from the adrenal medulla, and it is suggested that ethanol or one of its metabolites has a direct stimulating effect on the metabolism. The hyperglycemia was apparently due to increased secretion of adrenal medullary hormones. — It is emphasized that these ethanol effects were obtained in a low dose‐range.