Abstract
Effect of aminoacetonitrile (AAN) on hepatic injuries by treatment with carbon tetrachloride was examined in adrenalectomized rats. The liver necrosis produced by CCl4 in adrenalectomized rats was clearly inhibited by AAN. This inhibitory effect of AAN on necrosis was also observed in adrenalectomized rats which were protected from the depression of body temperature by being kept in a warm room. Impaired mobilization of free fatty acids (FFA) marked depression of body temperature, and a little accumulation of liver lipid were observed in adrenalectomized rats by treatment with CCl4. The elevation of plasma FFA and fatty infiltration in the liver were reproduced by the administration of CCl4 when adrenalectomized rats were kept in a warm room or were treated previously with hydrocortisone. Lipid accumulation in the liver of adrenalectomized rats was not inhibited by AAN, but its inhibitory effect on fatty liver was clearly observed in warmed adrenalectomized rats. The mobilization of FFA and the accumulation of liver fat produced by CCl4 in adrenalectomized rats which were previously treated with hydrocortisone were prevented by the injection of AAN or trimethidium. These results indicate that the mobilization of FFA which is observed after the administration of CCl4 is due to the stimulation of sympathetic nervous system, and the released FFA gives marked influence on the development of fatty liver. Furthermore, it is concluded that AAN protects the liver partially from lipid accumulation by inhibiting the mobilization of FFA.
