Studies on the effect of ursodesoxycholic acid on rats with acute carbontetrachloride injury

Bilirubin is a sensitive marker of toxic liver injury. Carbontetrachloride (CCl4) is used in some manufactures and laboratories. An acute intoxication is a peril. We have performed experiments to state total, indirect and direct bilirubin levels in rats exposed to a single CCl4 dose of 1.25 ml/kg. Total bilirubin in normal rats is 3.13 +/- 0.13 mumol/l. 58.6% is direct conjugated and 41.3% indirect unconjugated bilirubin. One hour after CCl4 administration bilirubin started to increase and reached its peak in the second hour. 24 h later a decrease began but even 72 h after intoxication it was not normalized. Ursodesoxycholic acid (UDCA, CAS 128-13-2, Ursofalk) treatment (25 mg/kg/dose) lowered bilirubin, returning to normal level 24 h after CCl4 administration. Hypothermia aggravates intoxications. In CCl4 lesion it develops 1 h after exposure. UDCA has not influenced low body temperature but liver function, conjugating capacity was restored. In CCl4 poisoning it is suggested to start UDCA treatment as early as possible and to continue it for some more days after improvement of serum bilirubin concentration.