In Vivo Effect of L-Cysteine on Ethanol-Induced Alterations in Membrane-Bound ATPases of Liver and Kidney of Experimental Rats

Abstract

Decreased activities of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase in liver and kidney, Mg²⁺-ATPase in kidney, and Ca²⁺-ATPase in liver were observed in alcoholic rats (3.0g of ethanol/kg body weight, 30% [v/v]) given twice daily for 30 days compared with those of the controls. Increased activities of Ca²⁺-ATPase in kidney and Mg²⁺-ATPase in liver were also observed in the alcoholic rats. All the above metabolic alterations induced by alcohol were effectively avoided by L-cysteine (20mg/100g body weight) given twice daily for 30 days.