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Updated: May 3, 2026
Inducing Acute Liver Injury in Rats via Carbon Tetrachloride CCl4 Exposure Through an Orogastric Tube
Published on: April 28, 2020
Magnesium attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in rats
Akram Eidi1, Pejman Mortazavi2, Farhad Moradi1
1Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats. MgSO4 (0.001, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 Mg(2+) g/kg b.wt.) was administered intragastrically for 28 consecutive days to male, CCl4-treated rats. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Histopathological changes in the liver, of different groups were also studied. Administration of CCl4 increased serum ALT, AST, ALP and GGT, but decreased liver SOD activities in rats. Treatment with MgSO4 significantly attenuated these changes to nearly normal levels. The animals treated with MgSO4 showed decreased necrotic zones and reduced hepatocellular degeneration when compared to liver exposed to CCl4 alone. Hepatic damage was reduced in MgSO4-treated rats. Thus, our results suggest that MgSO4 has potential for the treatment of liver damage resulting from chemical intoxication.
Insights
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) protects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. This study shows MgSO4 treatment significantly reduces liver damage markers and improves liver health following chemical intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a known hepatotoxin that causes significant liver damage.
- Investigating protective agents against chemical-induced liver injury is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) against CCl4-induced liver damage in a rat model.
- To assess the impact of varying MgSO4 doses on biochemical and histopathological markers of liver injury.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were administered CCl4 to induce liver damage.
- Different doses of MgSO4 were administered intragastrically for 28 days.
- Hepatoprotective activity was assessed by measuring serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, alongside histopathological examination.
Main Results:
- CCl4 administration significantly elevated serum ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT levels, while decreasing SOD activity.
- MgSO4 treatment dose-dependently attenuated these biochemical alterations, bringing them near normal levels.
- Histopathological analysis revealed reduced necrotic zones and hepatocellular degeneration in MgSO4-treated groups compared to CCl4-alone treated rats.
Conclusions:
- Magnesium sulfate demonstrates significant hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats.
- MgSO4 treatment mitigates biochemical and histological signs of liver injury, suggesting its potential therapeutic value.
- These findings support the use of MgSO4 for managing liver damage caused by chemical intoxication.
