Microsomal injury in the liver of rats treated with carbon tetrachloride

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Biochemistry
• Hepatology

Background:

• Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a known hepatotoxin.
• Understanding the dose-dependent effects of CCl4 on liver function is crucial for toxicological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biochemical and structural changes in the rat liver following oral administration of different doses of CCl4.
• To determine the specific effects of low-dose CCl4 on hepatic cellular machinery.

Main Methods:

• Male rats were orally administered CCl4 at doses of 2.5 ml/kg and 0.25 ml/kg.
• Serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) activity, hepatic triglyceride content, microsomal enzyme activities, and in vitro protein synthesis were measured.
• Hepatic polyribosome integrity and the mixed-function oxygenase system were assessed.

Main Results:

• A high dose of CCl4 (2.5 ml/kg) led to increased serum GPT, hepatic triglyceride accumulation, decreased microsomal enzyme activity, disaggregated hepatic polyribosomes, and reduced protein synthesis.
• A low dose of CCl4 (0.25 ml/kg) caused pronounced defects in hepatic polyribosomes and the mixed-function oxygenase system, indicating specific targets of lower CCl4 concentrations.

Conclusions:

• CCl4 induces significant dose-dependent liver injury in rats.
• Low-dose CCl4 specifically targets hepatic polyribosomes and the mixed-function oxygenase system, highlighting the sensitivity of these components to toxic insult.