Influences of Compounds on Metallothionein Concentration in Mouse Tissues. IV. Increase of Hepatic Metallothionein Concentration by Drugs for Hepatic Diseases

Abstract

The concentration of metallothionein in the liver of mice injected with drugs for hepatic diseases was determined, and the following results were obtained. 1. The concentration of metallothionein in the liver was increased by the injection of glutathion, N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine, protoporphyrin or Shosaikoto. 2. Among sulfur compounds, an injection of L-cysteine or L-cysteic acid increased the concentration of metallothionein in the mouse liver. 3. Metallothionein induced by N-(2-mercaptopropionyl) glycine or Shosaikoto was zincthionein. Acute cadmium toxicity was prevented by the pre-injection of these compounds. These results indicate that some drugs for hepatic diseases increase the level of metallothionein in the mouse liver.