Effect of benzyl chloride on rat liver functions

Benzyl chloride (BCL) is extensively used in industry for the manufacture of dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceutical products. A previous study from this laboratory revealed the presence of liver steatosis of the microvesicular type and central focal inflammation in rats following the inhalation of BCL. This study was conducted to investigate the hepatotoxicity of intravenous (iv) BCL in rat. BCL (250, 25, and 0 micrograms/kg) was administered (iv) to rats, and serum enzyme tests were used to evaluate hepatic injury. After 10 min from BCL administration, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase activities were significantly increased compared to the control group, while the values returned to normal within 1 h from the administration of BCL. Also, ornithine carbamyltransferase enzyme activity was significantly increased and reached a maximum as early as 0.5 h from the administration of BCL. Hepatic excretory function was investigated by the clearance of bromosulfophthalein (BSP) after 0.5 and 24 h from the administration of BCL. The clearance of BSP in both treatments was significantly slower compared to control group throughout the 24 h studied. Furthermore, BCL significantly decreased liver and blood glutathione values. This study revealed that BCL has the potential to cause hepatomalfunction.