[Protective effects of DBcAMP on acute liver failure induced by D-galactosamine in rats]

We studied protective effects of Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcAMP) which is a permeable form of cyclic AMP (cAMP), the intracellular second messenger, on D-galactosamine (D-Gal, 1.5g/kg i.p.) induced acute liver failure. Experimental animals were divided into four groups: Group I; DBcAMP was administered before (7.5mg/kg) and after (7.5mg/kg) D-Gal treatment, group II; only before (15mg/kg) D-Gal treatment, group III; only after (15mg/kg) D-Gal treatment, and group IV; no DBcAMP was administered. Effects of DBcAMP were evaluated according to survival rates, serum biochemical findings and hepaplastin test (HPT), ATP levels in liver tissues, hepatic blood flow, and histological findings. The survival rates after D-Gal treatment were 100% in group I, 90% in group II, 32% in group III and 10% in group IV. The serum biochemical findings, tissue ATP levels and hepatic blood flow were significantly improved in groups I and II compared with that in groups III and IV. The level of HPT in group I was the highest among the experimental groups. On histological findings, inflammatory changes were observed in group I and focal necrosis in group II while liver degeneration with massive necrosis was seen in groups III and IV. In conclusion, acute liver failure induced by D-Gal was apparently protected by the administration of DBcAMP.