Abstract
We have reported that radon inhalation activates of antioxidative functions and inhibits carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage. It is also reported that ascorbic acid inhibits liver damage induced by CCl4. In the present study, we examined the inhibitory effect of radon inhalation or ascorbic on liver damage induced CCl4. ICR mice were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 after inhaling approximately 1000 or 2000 Bq/m3 radon for 24 hours or immediately after intraperitoneal injection of ascorbic acid (100, 300, or 500 mg/kg). In results, the activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) of radon inhalation or ascorbic acid treated groups were lower than those of CCl4 treated group, suggesting the inhibition of CCl4 induced liver damage. In the radon irradiated groups, the relative decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase was smaller than those of ascorbic acid treated groups. However, no significant differences in lipid peroxide levels in liver were observed between radon inhalation group and ascorbic acid treated group. In addition, the radon inhalation has an effect similar to treatment of ascorbic acid (300 mg/kg).
