X. Synthesis and Utilization of Ketone Bodies
Synthesis from acetyl CoA: Acetoacetate
Acetoacetate can be reduced.
- Subsequently acetoacetate can be reduced to
beta-hydroxybutyrate by beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase
in a NADH-requiring reaction. The extent of this reaction
depends on the state of the NAD pool of the cell; when it is
highly reduced, most or all of the ketones can be in the form of
beta-hydroxybutyrate.
- Near-total reduction of acetoacetate to beta-hydroxybutyrate can occur in severe ethanol toxicity.
