Modulation of galactosamine-induced liver injury by some amino acids or Triton WR1339

Galactosamine administration to rats (600 mg/kg, i.p.) produces a severe liver necrosis at 24 h. Pretreatment with cystine, tryptophan or methionine (600 mg/kg, p.o., 30 min before the hepatotoxin) significantly prevents galactosamine-induced liver necrosis. Glutamic or aspartic acids, however, were not protective under a similar dosage regimen. The prior administration of Triton WR1339 (1 g/kg, i.v., 30 min before galactosamine) significantly enhanced the liver response to galactosamine-induced liver injury, whereas the administration of tyrosine resulted in death of the animals.