Final answer:
Ethylene glycol, used primarily in antifreeze, is metabolized into glycolic acid and causes significant metabolic acidosis, resulting in intoxication effects. Without treatment, it can lead to encephalopathy, cerebral edema, and acute kidney failure due to calcium oxalate crystallization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Toxic Mechanism and Effects of Ethylene Glycol
Among the toxic alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, glycerine, and ethylene glycol, it is ethylene glycol that has significant intoxicating effects due to its metabolites. Ethylene glycol poisoning is initiated by its metabolism by alcohol dehydrogenase into glycolaldehyde, which further oxidizes to glycolic acid. This acid is a major contributor to metabolic acidosis, which can lead to encephalopathy or cerebral edema. The toxic effects tend to appear 12 to 36 hours after ingestion, with glycolic acid accumulation being responsible for the majority of dangerous side effects such as metabolic acidosis.
Furthermore, lactic acidosis is exacerbated by an increase of lactic acid in the blood, which is a byproduct of the first two steps in ethylene glycol metabolism. The concurrent inhibition of metabolic pathways like oxidative phosphorylation leads to a complex toxic state within the body. Ethylene glycol is commonly used in antifreeze and is known for its sweet taste, which unfortunately makes it prone to accidental ingestion by humans and animals alike. Its lethal toxicity manifests through the crystallization of calcium oxalate in the brain and other vital organs, potentially leading to acute kidney failure and death without proper medical intervention.