[The comparative action of isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol on liver function]

It has been established in experiments on white rats that antituberculous drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol) given in toxic doses affect the liver, its membranes and organelles, inhibit bile production and bioenergy. This is supported by activation of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, (ALT and AST), alkaline phosphatase in blood serum and acid phosphatase in the liver, by a decrease of the activity of Na(+)-, K(+)-ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase and cytochromoxidase in the liver, lowering of the rate of bile secretion, excretion of bile acids, bilirubin and cholesterol with bile. Provided the drugs are administered in combination, the hepatotoxicity rises, particularly in combination of isoniazid with rifampicin, and especially as isoniazid is combined with rifampicin and ethambutol.