Disulfiram (Antabuse) triggers an aversive response through the inhibition of which enzyme?

Disulfiram, commonly known as Antabuse, functions by inhibiting the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. This inhibition leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body when alcohol is consumed, resulting in unpleasant effects such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. These aversive reactions are intended to deter individuals from drinking alcohol, thereby aiding in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

Other enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase are involved in alcohol metabolism, but they are not the inhibition target of disulfiram. Cytochrome P450 and monoamine oxidase are involved in different metabolic pathways and do not play a role in the specific mechanism through which disulfiram exerts its therapeutic effects against alcohol consumption. It's the blockage of aldehyde dehydrogenase that crucially associates disulfiram with its intended aversive response to alcohol.