EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE ROLE OF ENDOTOXIN IN THE MECHANISM OF GALACTOSAMINE-INDUCED LIVER INJURY

Abstract

In order to gain more knowledge regarding the relationship between the onset of liver injury and endotoxin levels in rats treated with galactosamine (GalN), we determined blood endotoxin levels by the limulus coloric test in endotoxin tolerant (ET) rats. In endotoxin-intolerant rats treated with GalN (500mg/kg of body weight), blood endotoxin levels increased markedly 24hrs after treatment, followed by a rapid decrease thereafter. High S-GPT levels, hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and extensive histological liver necrosis were observed 48hrs after treatment. In contrast, blood endotoxin levels were low in ET rats 24hrs after treatment. Liver injury was also milder 48hrs after treatment. These findings suggest that endotoxinemia caused by GalN plays an important role in the progress of GalN-induced liver injury.