The effect of D-penicillamine on CCl4-induced experimental liver cirrhosis.
The effect of D-penicillamine (Pe) on liver fibrosis-cirrhosis induced by chronic CCl4 and phenobarbital (Pb) administration in Fischer 344 male rats was studied. Morphometric analysis did not reveal a decrease in the amount of connective tissue fibers after Pe-treatment. Compared to the CCl4 and Pb-treated control groups, Pe had no significant effect on the concentrations of hydroxyproline, a parameter of collagen degradation, either; however, it increased the glycosaminoglycan concentrations. Lymphocyte stimulation by Con-A in the Pe-treated groups did not differ from that of the CCl4 and Pb-treated ones. According to our studies, Pe-treatment was ineffective in rats with liver fibrosis-cirrhosis induced by CCl4 and Pb administration. It seems that Pe can be effective only in the cirrhosis types accompanied by a considerable copper accumulation due to suppression of the toxic effects of copper.
Schaff
Z
Z
Semmelweis Medical University, Institute of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Budapest, Hungary.
Lapis
K
K
Szende
B
B
Jeney
A
A
Gergely
P
P
Simon
K
K
Divald
A
A
Timár
F
F
Major
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride / Q000633:toxicity; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344
D003094:Collagen; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride; D010396:Penicillamine