[Experimental liver damage by furosemide for studying drugs with hepato-protective activity]

Some biochemical, pathohistological and ultrastructural changes in liver after the action of single intraperitoneal administration of furosemide (Furantryl-Pharmachim) in a dose of 300 mg/kg of body mass were studied in male white rats of Wistar strain. The results from the performed experiments established increased activity of serum enzymes GOT, GPT, GGT, alkaline phosphatase as well as low values of serum cholinesterase. Pathohistologic and electron microscopy examination discovered liver damage with typical congestive changes mainly--manifested local erythremia and a reduced fluid content of the blood in the liver with blockage in the sinusoidal pole of hepatocytes; there were also focal micronecrosis, considerable reduction of glycogen and slight centrolobular steatosis. The possibility is discussed for usage of hepatotoxicity, induced by furosemide, in examining the effects of some drugs with potential hepatoprotective activity.