Protective effect of vitamin E against ethionine toxicity

The effect of administration of ethionine on rat liver mitochondrial functions and the protective effect of vitamin E on ethionine induced damage was studied. Ethionine treatment decreased the rate of respiration, respiratory control ratio and P/O ratio. There was a significant decrease in the activities of NADH dehydrogenase, succinate cytochrome C reductase and cytochrome oxidase. A significant decrease was seen on membrane potential and on the levels of ATP. Among the mitochondrial phospholipids only cardiolipin decreased significantly. The lipid peroxide level increased significantly in ethionine treated rats. Administration of vitamin E prior to ethionine treatment relieved the effects (induced by ethionine) on all the parameters studied. This study shows that vitamin E protects against ethionine toxicity.