Treatment With Bovine Gallstones Exacerbates Liver Damage, but Enhances Hepatoprotection by Bear Gall Powder in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Rats

Abstract

The interactions between bovine gallstones (Goou) and bear gall powder (Yutan) in decreases in serum transaminase levels were investigated in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). The p.o. administration of Goou significantly increased both serum transaminase levels and hepatic lipid peroxidation following i.p. administration of CCl₄. Concomitant administration of both Goou and Yutan resulted in decreases of serum transaminase levels and hepatic lipid peroxidation, which were more remarkable than with administration of Yutan alone. Goou significantly increased the estimated hepatic blood flow in the indocyanine green clearance test and enhanced the delivery of CCl₄ to the liver from the peritoneal cavity. These findings suggest that Goou exacerbates CCl₄-induced hepatic damage because of the accelerated delivery of CCl₄ to the liver and that Goou might have a hemodynamic drug interaction with Yutan in the liver, possibly enhancing the hepatoprotective effect of Yutan.