1.   These results suggest that increased pancreatic lysosomal fragility observed with ethanol may be mediated by cholesteryl ester accumulation rather than by ethanol or acetaldehyde.

2.   Alternatively, the increased lysosomal fragility may be mediated by acetaldehyde.

3.   These compounds are known to disrupt biologic membranes in vitro and therefore have the potential to mediate the increased pancreatic lysosomal fragility observed in ethanol fed rats.

4.   Increased lysosomal fragility is indicated by an increase in supernatant enzyme.

5.   Experimental ethanol administration results in increased fragility of pancreatic lysosomes and the simultaneous accumulation of cholesteryl esters in the pancrease.