Zinc in CCl4 toxicity.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the protective effect of zinc in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.


METHODS
Rats were treated with zinc acetate for four days. The zinc doses were 5 mg Zn/kg and 10 mg Zn/kg body weight respectively. Two groups of the zinc acetate-treated rats were later challenged with a single dose of CCl4 (1.5 mL/kg body weight).


RESULTS
Compared to control animals, the plasma of rats treated with CCl4 showed hyperbilirubinaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypercreatinaemia and hypoproteinaemia. When the animals were however supplemented with zinc in form of zinc acetate before being dosed with CCl4, the 5 mg Zn/kg body weight of zinc acetate reversed the hypoproteinaemia induced by CCl4, whereas the 10 mg Zn/kg body weight of zinc acetate reversed the hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and hypercreatinaemia induced by CCl4.


CONCLUSIONS
The 10 mg Zn/kg body weight of zinc acetate is more consistent in protecting against CCl4 hepatotoxicity. The possible mechanisms of protection are highlighted.
Ademuyiwa
O
O
Department of Biochemistry, Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria. adelad@unaab.edu.ng
Onitilo
O
O
Dosumu
O
O
Ayannuga
O
O
Bakare
A
A
Akinlatun
W
W
Ogunyemi
E O
EO
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride / Q000633:toxicity*; D002252:Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012997:Solvents / Q000633:toxicity*; D019345:Zinc Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012997:Solvents; D002251:Carbon Tetrachloride; D019345:Zinc Acetate