Possible role of endogenous prostacyclin in the maintenance of hepatic integrity in rat.
Exogenously administered prostaglandins are reported to be involved in hepatic regeneration, i.e. they hinder liver cell injury and cell-death induced by different toxic noxae. In the pertinent literature no data are available regarding the role of endogenous (tissue) prostaglandins in hepatotoxic processes. In subchronic carbon-tetrachloride intoxication (800 mg/kg twice a week, s.c., for 12 weeks) the endogenous prostacyclin level showed a transient and significant elevation signalling (similarly to the gastrointestinal tract) the process of protective mechanisms. This tenet was further strengthened by the concomitant decrease of serum ALT and AST levels. Continuing the carbon-tetrachloride treatment, finally not only the endogenous prostacyclin synthesising capacity of the liver but the hepatic cells themselves were also destroyed. According to the author's best knowledge these are the first data in the literature which try to enlighten the protective role of endogenous prostacyclin in hepatotoxic processes.
Balint
G A
GA
Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary.
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride / Q000633:toxicity; D016923:Cell Death; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D008115:Liver Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride; D011464:Epoprostenol; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase