pyruvate dehydrogenase complex /pī′ro̅o̅·vāt dē·hī′drō·jən·ās/ , a multienzyme complex consisting of at least three distinct enzymes; it catalyzes the formation of acetyl coenzyme A from pyruvate and coenzyme A. The acetyl coenzyme A is used in fatty acid synthesis, for acetylations, and for oxidation by means of the citric acid cycle. Deficiency of any component of the complex results in excess of lactic acid in the blood, ataxia, and psychomotor slowing.
