The pattern of D-galactosamine-induced hepatocellular injury modified by simultaneous application of D (--)-fructose

As shown by light and electron microscopy, and by biochemical investigation, D-galactosamine-induced hepatocellular injury in the rat can be prevented by giving fructose simultaneously. However, when injected 3 h after D-galactosamine, fructose has no protective effect. It is suggested that rapid fructose phosphorylation, with the consequent marked depression of the hepatocellular ATP pool, inhibits the more prolonged D-galactosamine phosphorylation and with it the injurious effects of D-galactosamine metabolism.