The effect of D-penicillamine on CCl4-induced experimental liver cirrhosis

The effect of D-penicillamine (Pe) on liver fibrosis-cirrhosis induced by chronic CCl4 and phenobarbital (Pb) administration in Fischer 344 male rats was studied. Morphometric analysis did not reveal a decrease in the amount of connective tissue fibers after Pe-treatment. Compared to the CCl4 and Pb-treated control groups, Pe had no significant effect on the concentrations of hydroxyproline, a parameter of collagen degradation, either; however, it increased the glycosaminoglycan concentrations. Lymphocyte stimulation by Con-A in the Pe-treated groups did not differ from that of the CCl4 and Pb-treated ones. According to our studies, Pe-treatment was ineffective in rats with liver fibrosis-cirrhosis induced by CCl4 and Pb administration. It seems that Pe can be effective only in the cirrhosis types accompanied by a considerable copper accumulation due to suppression of the toxic effects of copper.