Cytoprotective effects of taurine in isolated rat hepatocytes

This study examined the protection of isolated rat hepatocytes against carbon tetrachloride, hydrazine and 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NQ) toxicity. Hepatocytes were incubated with various concentrations of toxicant in the presence and absence of taurine (0-15 mm). The presence of taurine significantly decreased the cytotoxicity of each compound as measured by trypan blue uptake and lactate dehydrogenase leakage. The protection was related to the concentration of taurine, with a significant effect at 10 mm for all three compounds. When ATP was measured, however, taurine failed to protect against the depletion caused by hydrazine, whereas depletion due to 1,4-NQ was significantly ameliorated. The results suggest that taurine may protect cells from cytotoxicity as reflected by membrane damage but biochemical events underlying the toxicity, such as ATP depletion, may not be affected. Taurine may be a useful tool for the investigation of mechanisms of cytotoxicity.