Toxicity of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate in isolated hepatocytes: Possible role of taurine.
Exposure of isolated rat hepatocytes to alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) results in time and dose-dependent decreases in glutathione (GSH), ATP and cell viability. When taurine (15 mm) was added to cells no protection was afforded and a drop in the initial levels of GSH was also found. Prior treatment of rats with beta-alanine (3% in drinking water) did not increase ANIT toxicity, although taurine levels significantly dropped in cells. When 15 mm cysteinesulfinate was added to taurine depleted cells, some protection was afforded with a smaller drop in GSH than for cells incubated with buffer or taurine. The taurine pathway may thus play a protective role in ANIT cytotoxicity in isolated hepatocytes.
Seabra
V
V
Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of London, Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
Timbrell
J A
JA