The possible structural changes in the adrenal gland cortex after induction of hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury in male albino rats: Light and electron microscopic study

The adrenal gland is an important endocrine gland in the body that secrets the adrenal hormones. One of the important clinical issues is the hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Liver IR injury results in many distant organs dysfunctions such as lung, kidney, intestine, pancreas, and myocardium. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible remote effects of hepatic IR on the structure of the adrenal cortex. Twenty healthy males, Sprague–Dawley albino rats aged 6–8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups (10 rats each): the sham control group (SC-group) and the ischemia–reperfusion group (IR-group). Sera were estimated for the following: aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and corticosterone levels. Also oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and the antioxidative enzyme, catalase were measured. Adrenal glands were processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study. The results showed a significant increase in serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and LDH), corticosterone, MDA, and TNF-α levels and a significant decrease in serum levels of catalase in IR-group compared with SC-group. Adrenal cortical tissue of IR-group showed the loss of normal appearance. Some cells of zona glomerulosa and most of the zona fasciculata cells appeared swollen and degenerated with highly vacuolated cytoplasm. Other cells were shrunken with deeply acidophilic cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. Degenerated mitochondria with disrupted cristae, lipid droplets were confluent and dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum were seen. Few zona reticularis cells had the dark nucleus and cytoplasmic vacuolations. In the different zones, blood capillaries were markedly congested and some inflammatory cells infiltrations were observed. Liver IR affected the structure of the adrenal cortex.     

Heat acclimation causes some alterations in serum enzymes activities in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

The present study investigated the effect of long-term heat acclimation and experimental diabetes on serum activity of transaminases (AST, ALT), ALP, LDH and elastase complex, as well as blood glucose and HbA1c level in Wistar rats. The heat acclimation model was established with the artificial heat chamber (35±1 °C and 30-40% humidity) for a period of 28 days, while the control groups were held on 20±2 °C. Experimental diabetes was induced by single streptozotocine (STZ) injection (55 mg/kg bodyweight) The changes caused by insulin treatment (2 IU/100 g body weight, 14 days, twice daily) in both thermal groups were also investigated.STZ-diabetes leads to significant increase in blood glucose and HbA1c level, AST, ALT and ALP activities in both thermal groups (normothermic and heat acclimated), decrease in LDH activity in normothermic animals and increase in heat-acclimated ones. Treatment with insulin restores the blood glucose, HbA1c and enzymes activities regardless of the previous thermal exposure.Prolonged acclimation of control animals to elevated ambient temperature resulted in significant decrease in blood glucose level, AST, ALT, ALP and LDH activities and non-significant changes in HbA1c. Compared to diabetic rats from room temperature, heat-acclimated diabetic ones have significantly higher blood glucose, AST, ALP and LDH activity, lower HbA1c concentration and no significant changes in ALT. Most of the changes observed in heat-acclimated insulin-treated diabetic rats did not significantly differ compared to those from room temperature.The overall two-way ANOVA analyses showed that diabetic state causes significant changes in the blood glucose, HbA1c, AST, ALT and ALP activity, while heat acclimation causes significant changes only in HbA1c level and AST activity. Both of the factors (diabetic state and heat acclimation) have significant common effects on AST, ALP and LDH activity.     

Effects of Buprenorphine on Balance of Oxidant/Antioxidant System in the Different Ages of Male Rat Liver

Our knowledge about a link between buprenorphine and hepatotoxicity is controversial. This study evaluated the effects of buprenorphine on the liver of young, adult, and aged rats. For this reason, young, adult, and aged rats received intraperitoneally 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg buprenorphine for 30 days. The present results revealed that the normal aging was associated with a significant decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and an increase in the liver lipid peroxidation, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in the aged rats. This study also demonstrated that buprenorphine led to a significant increase in the serum activities of ALT, AST, and LDH as well as liver lipid peroxidation content with a decrease in the antioxidant enzymes in the liver of buprenorphine‐treated aged rat versus the aged matched control animals. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that buprenorphine deteriorated oxidative damage in the aged livers.     

不同剂量乳化异氟醚预处理对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

摘要 目的：探究不同剂量乳化异氟醚预处理对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法：将48只成年雄性大鼠随机分为六组：假手术组、缺血对照组、脂肪乳组、低剂量乳化异氟醚组、中剂量乳化异氟醚组和高剂量乳化异氟醚组,每组8只。检测血清中酶的含量,观察肝细胞损伤程度,直观的反应乳化异氟醚预处理对肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的影响。结果：不同组别大鼠肝脏再灌注后ALT、AST、LDH和MDA含量,SOD活性和肝细胞坏死比例均具有显著差异,随着再灌注时间的延长,各组大鼠血清ALT、AST和LDH含量均明显增加（均P＜0.05）。再灌注后1 h、2 h和4 h中剂量乳化异氟醚组大鼠血清ALT、AST和LDH含量均显著低于缺血对照组、低剂量乳化异氟醚组和高剂量乳化异氟醚组（均P＜0.05）。中剂量乳化异氟醚组大鼠肝组织匀浆中MDA含量和肝细胞坏死比例均显著低于缺血对照组、低剂量乳化异氟醚组和高剂量乳化异氟醚组,SOD活性显著高于缺血对照组、低剂量乳化异氟醚组和高剂量乳化异氟醚组（均P＜0.05）。结论：中等剂量乳化异氟醚预处理组中血清中酶含量最低,肝组织匀浆中MDA含量最低,SOD活性水平最高,肝细胞损伤程度最轻,对大鼠肝脏缺血再灌注的保护作用最好。     

Efficacy of Citrus reticulata and Mirazid in treatment of Schistosoma mansoni

This work has been carried out to investigate the effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on mice livers after treatment with the ethanolic extract of Citrus reticulata root or the oleo-resin extract from Myrrh of Commiphora molmol tree (Mirazid), as a new antishistosomal drug. Marker enzymes for different cell organelles were measured; succinate dehydrogenase (SDH); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzymes; glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase); acid phosphatase (AP) and 5'- nucleotidase. Liver function enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST); alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also estimated. Parasitological studies through ova count and worm burden will also be taken into consideration. The results showed a marked reduction in SDH, LDH, AST, and ALT enzyme activities and a significant increase in G-6-Pase, AP, 5'- nucleotidase, and ALP after S. mansoni infection. A noticeable alteration in LDH subunits were also noticed. Treatment with C. reticulata or Mirazid improved all the previous enzyme activities with a noticeable reduction in ova count and worm burden.     

Cytoplasmic enzyme activities involved in energy and amino acid metabolism in pathological human renal cortex

Enzyme levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured in the cytosol of renal cortex samples from either normal and pathologic kidney tissue. The mean enzyme activity values, expressed in Units per gram of cytosolic protein decreased in the following order: normal cortex (LDH = 4,299 +/- 654; AST = 522 +/- 101; ALT = 197 +/- 44). chronic pyelonephritis (LDH = 2,360 +/- 876; AST = 297 +/- 117; ALT = 90 +/- 48), hydronephrosis (LDH = 2,208 +/- 1,264; AST = 279 +/- 165; ALT = 82 +/- 61), pyonephrosis (LDH = 1,410 +/- 596; AST = 158 +/- 69; ALT = 23.4 +/- 16.4) and renal tuberculosis (LDH = 1,149 +/- 481; AST = 93 +/- 34; ALT = 5.6 +/- 2.8). The decrease in the enzyme activities paralleled tissue damage and it was shown to affect cellular functionality in relation with energy and amino acid metabolism.     

Hepatoprotective effects of purple potato extract against D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats

We investigated the hepatoprotective effect of purple potato extract (PPE) against D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver injury in rats. PPE (400 mg) was administered once daily for 8 d, and then GalN (250 mg/kg of body weight) was injected at 22 h before the rats were killed. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and asparate aminotranferase (AST) levels increased significantly after injection of GalN, but PPE inhibited GalN-induced alterations in serum TNF-alpha, LDH, ALT, and AST levels. Hepatic lipid peroxide and glutathione levels in the control + GalN group were higher and lower respectively than those in the control group, and those in the PPE + GalN group did not differ from that in the control group. The lipid peroxide level in hepatic microsomes treated with 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in the PPE group was significantly lower than that in the control group. This suggests that PPE has hepatoprotective effects against GalN-induced hepatotoxicity via inhibition lipid peroxidation and/or inflammation in rats.     

Effects of various kinds of dietary amino acids on the hepatotoxic action of D-galactosamine in rats

The protective effects of various kinds of dietary amino acids against the hepatotoxic action of D-galactosamine (GalN) were examined. Male Wistar rats fed with 20% casein diets containing 10% or 5% amino acid for one week were injected with GalN (800 mg/kg body weight), and the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, the hepatic glycogen concentration, and the serum glucose-level were examined 20 hours after the injection. In the groups with the 10% amino acid diets, activities of AST, ALT, and LDH in serum of 10% L-glutamine (Gln), 10% L-asparagine (Asn), and 10% L-serine (Ser) groups were significantly lower than those of the control group, and in the groups with the 5% amino acid diets, those activities of 5% L-histidine (His), 5% L-tyrosine (Tyr), 5% L-lysine (Lys), and 5% L-glycine (Gly) groups were also lower than those of the control group. The concentration of liver glycogen of 10% Gln-, 10% Asn-, and 10% Ser- groups and those levels of 5% His-, 5% Tyr-, 5% Lys-, and 5% Gly-groups were also significantly higher than that of the control group. As a result, it was found that some kinds of dietary amino acid such as L-Ser, L-Asn, L-His, L-Lys, L-Tyr, and L-Gly, in addition to L-Gln were effective to protect the rats from GalN-induced injury.     

Biochemical response to colloidal bismuth subcitrate

In the present study, an investigation was undertaken to assess the efficacy on serum enzymes of colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS). CBS was administered with injections to male rats in 100-, 200-, 400-, 500-, and 1000-μg/L doses of bismuth. Rats were anesthetized at different intervals (24, 48, and 72 h) after CBS injections. The levels of serum enzymes were determined. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and creatine kinase (CK) levels significantly increased after all CBS treatments without dependence on time. All doses of bismuth significantly affected the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum after 72 h. The lowest doses were the most toxic on ALT and LDH. These data suggest that treatment with CBS can provide evidence for a possible marker of liver toxicity although there is no evidence of liver accumulation of bismuth in the present study.     

Hepatoprotective Effects of Purple Potato Extract against D-Galactosamine-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

We investigated the hepatoprotective effect of purple potato extract (PPE) against D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver injury in rats. PPE (400 mg) was administered once daily for 8 d, and then GalN (250 mg/kg of body weight) was injected at 22 h before the rats were killed. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and asparate aminotranferase (AST) levels increased significantly after injection of GalN, but PPE inhibited GalN-induced alterations in serum TNF-α, LDH, ALT, and AST levels. Hepatic lipid peroxide and glutathione levels in the control + GalN group were higher and lower respectively than those in the control group, and those in the PPE + GalN group did not differ from that in the control group. The lipid peroxide level in hepatic microsomes treated with 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride in the PPE group was significantly lower than that in the control group. This suggests that PPE has hepatoprotective effects against GalN-induced hepatotoxicity via inhibition lipid peroxidation and/or inflammation in rats.     

Effect of a polyherbal formulation, Ambrex, on butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) induced toxicity in rats

Effect of polyherbal formulation Ambrex was evaluated in butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) induced toxicity of lungs and liver in rats. Toxicity was produced by administering BHT (500 mg/kg/day) for 3 days. Lung damage was evidenced by elevated levels of broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BAL) parameters such as protein, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). Liver damage was proved by elevated levels of serum protein and markers such as LDH, ALP, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), decreased level of lipid peroxides (LPO) in serum and glutathione (GSH) in liver. Administration of aqueous suspension of Ambrex (50 mg/kg orally) retained these elevated levels of BAL-protein, lactate, LDH, ALP, ACP, G6PDH and serum-protein, LDH, ALP, AST and ALT at near normal values. Decreased level of liver GSH was retained at near normalcy in Ambrex pretreated BHT-administered animals. There was no change in liver LPO in all the four groups.     

Effect of envenomation on enzymes of brain of albino rats

Effects of high doses of cobra venom, (150 micrograms/120 +/- 20 g body wt) and viper venom (300 micrograms/120 +/- 20 g body wt) on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acetylcholinesterase (ACh) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of brain of albino rats were studied. While AST, LDH, ACh and ALP activities increased in both viper and cobra venom treated rats, ALT decreased in both groups compared to control.     

Time dependent study to evaluate the efficacy of zinc on hepatic marker enzymes and elemental profile in serum and liver of protein deficient rats

This study was designed to determine the time dependent protective effects of zinc sulfate on the serum and liver marker enzymes along with elemental profile in protein deficient Sprauge Dawley (S.D.) female rats. Zinc sulfate in the dose of 227 mg/l in drinking water was administrated to normal control as well as protein deficient rats for a total duration of 8 weeks. The effects of different treatments were studied on enzymes like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferases (AST) and alanine aminotransferases (ALT) in rat serum at different time intervals of 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks and in the rat liver at the end of study. The status of different essential elements in liver was also studied. The serum ALP activity got significantly depressed when estimated at the intervals of 4 and 8 weeks. Activity of serum ALT was significantly increased after 4 weeks interval in protein deficient rats and the increasing trend continued upto 8 weeks of protein deficiency. On the other hand, activity of AST showed a significant increase just after 2 weeks and activity continued to be increased up to 8 weeks. Moreover activities of all the hepato marker enzymes showed a significant increase in liver of protein deficient rats. Interestingly, supplementation of Zn to protein deficient rats helped in regulating the altered activities of ALP, AST and ALT both in serum and liver. However, zinc treatment alone to normal rats did not indicate any significant change in the activities of all the enzymes in liver as well serum except at the interval of 2 weeks where a marginal increase in the activity of AST was seen. It has also been observed that concentrations of zinc, copper, iron and selenium were found to be decreased significantly in protein deficient animals. However, the levels of these elements came back to within normal limits when zinc was administrated to protein deficient rats. Published online December 2004     

Preventive role of gallic acid on hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats

There is little information about the hepatoprotective effects of gallic acid against ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) damage. Animals were subjected to I/R. Gallic acid at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (bw) were injected as a single dose prior to ischemia. Liver tissue homogenates were used for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. At the same time alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assayed in serum samples and compared statistically. While the ALT, AST, LDH activities and MDA levels were significantly increased, CAT and GPx activities significantly decreased in only I/R-induced control rats compared to normal control rats (P < 0.05). Treatment with gallic acid at a dose of 100 mg/kg bw significantly decreased the ALT, AST, LDH activities and MDA levels, and markedly increased activities of CAT and GPx in tissue homogenates compared to I/R-induced rats with no treatment group (P < 0.05). In oxidative stress generated by hepatic ischemia–reperfusion, gallic acid contributes partially an alteration in the delicate balance between the scavenging capacity of antioxidant defense systems and free radicals in favour of the antioxidant defense systems in the body.     

Experimental analysis of gossypol and chloroquine interaction in serum and in liver of rat.

Interactive effects of gossypol and chloroquine as determined by activities of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and liver lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALK-pase), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-pase) and cholesterol level were investigated in rats. Administration of gossypol for eight weeks, at a concentration of 20 mg per kg body wt. per day with or without chloroquine had no effect on the serum enzymes and glucose-6-phosphatase activities. When chloroquine at a concentration of 5 mg per kg body wt. thrice a week was administered alone, there was a marked decrease in total protein content and ALK-pose activities, while a significant increase in LDH activity was observed. Administration of either gossypol or chloroquine decreased the level of cholesterol. A greater decrease was recorded when both were given together. It is suggested that gossypol can be employed as a male contraceptive among malaria-infected populations.     

Antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of a flavanone, naringenin, in streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced experimental diabetic rats

In the present study, the putative antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects of a flavanone, naringenin, were evaluated in comparison with those of glyclazide, a standard drug for therapy of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes was induced experimentally in 12-h-fasted rats by intraperitoneal injections of first streptozotocin (50 mg/kg b.w.) and then of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg b.w.) after a 15-min interval. Untreated diabetic rats revealed the following in comparison with normal rats: significantly higher mean levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, significantly lower mean levels of serum insulin, significantly lower mean activities of pancreatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase), significantly lower mean levels of plasma non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione, vitamin C , vitamin E), significantly elevated mean levels of pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly elevated mean activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Following oral administration of naringenin (50 mg/kg b.w./day) to diabetic rats for 21 days, the following observations were made in comparison with untreated diabetic rats: significantly lower mean levels of fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, significantly elevated serum insulin levels, significantly higher mean activities of pancreatic enzymatic antioxidants, significantly higher mean levels of plasma non-enzymatic antioxidants, lower mean pancreatic tissue levels of MDA and lower mean activities of ALT, AST, ALP and LDH in serum. The values obtained in the naringenin-treated animals approximated those observed in glyclazide-treated animals. Histopathological studies appeared to suggest a protective effect of naringenin on the pancreatic tissue in diabetic rats. These results suggest that naringenin exhibits antihyperglycemic and antioxidant effects in experimental diabetic rats.     

The hepatoprotective effects of Hypericum perforatum L. on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Little is known about the effective role of Hypericum perforatum on hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Hence, albino rats were subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion period. Hypericum perforatum extract (HPE) at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (HPE₅₀) was intraperitonally injected as a single dose, 15 min prior to ischemia. Rats were sacrificed at the end of reperfusion period and then, biochemical investigations were made in serum and liver tissue. Liver tissue homogenates were used for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. At the same time alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assayed in serum samples and compared statistically. While the ALT, AST, LDH activities and MDA levels were significantly increased, CAT and GPx activities significantly decreased in only I/R-induced control rats compared to normal control rats (p < 0.05). Treatment with HPE₅₀ significantly decreased the ALT, AST, LDH activities and MDA levels, and markedly increased activities of CAT and GPx in tissue homogenates compared to I/R-induced rats without treatment–control group (p < 0.05). In oxidative stress generated by hepatic ischemia–reperfusion, H. perforatum L. as an antioxidant agent contributes an alteration in the delicate balance between the scavenging capacity of antioxidant defence systems and free radicals in favour of the antioxidant defence systems in the body.     

The effects of subchronic methidathion toxicity on rat liver: Role of antioxidant vitamins C and E

Methidathion (MD) phosphorodithioic acid S-[(5-methoxy-2-oxo-1,3,4-thiadiazol-3(2H)-yl)methyl] O,O-dimethyl ester is the organophosphate insecticide (OPI) most commonly used worldwide in the pest control of crops. Subchronic MD exposure was evaluated for its effects on lipid peroxidation, the serum activities of cholinesterase (ChE), and enzymes concerning liver damage, and the protective effects of combination of vitamins E and C in albino rats. Additionally, the histopathological changes in liver tissue were examined. Experimental groups were as follows: control group; a group treated with 5 mg/kg body weight MD (MD group); and a group treated with 5 mg/kg body wight MD plus vitamin E plus vitamin C (MD+AO group). The MD and MD+AO groups were treated orally with MD on five days a week for 4 weeks. The serum activities of cholinesterase (ChE), alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate amiotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and liver histopathology were studied. In serum samples, MD significantly increased MDA concentration and ALP, AST, GGT, LDH activities but decreased the ALT and ChE activities. In the MD+AO group, MDA level and ALP, AST, LDH activities were significantly decreased and ChE activity was increased compared to the MD group. Histopathological changes found in liver tissue of rats treated with MD included were infiltration with mononuclear cells in all portal areas, sinusoidal dilatation, and focal microvesicular steatosis and hydropic degenerations in parenchymal tissue. The severity of these lesions was reduced by administration of vitamins. From these results, it can be concluded that subchronic MD causes liver damage, and lipid peroxidation may be a molecular mechanism involved in MD-induced toxicity. Furthermore, the combination of vitamins E and C can reduce the toxic effects of MD on liver tissue of rats.     

Protective effects of taurine against endotoxin-induced acute liver injury after hepatic ischemia reperfusion

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (HIR) not only results in liver injury, but also leads to endotoxemia, which aggravates HIR-induced liver injury and dysfunction, or even causes liver failure. Taurine has been shown to protect organs from ischemia reperfusion or endotoxin by its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate whether taurine could attenuate endotoxin-induced acute liver injury after HIR. Wistar rats subjected to 30 min of hepatic ischemia followed by reperfusion and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.5 mg/kg) administration, exhibited liver dysfunction (elevated serum levels of ALT, AST and LDH) and hepatic histopathological alteration. The serum levels of TNF-α and production of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues and apoptosis of hepatocytes were also increased after the combination of HIR and LPS. However, pre-administration of taurine protected livers from injury induced by the combination of HIR + LPS as the histological score, apoptotic index, MPO activity and production of MDA in liver tissues, and serum levels of AST, ALT, LDH and TNF-α, were significantly reduced. The expression of caspase-3, Fas and Fas ligand was upregulated in homogenates of livers from rats subjected to HIR and LPS, and this elevated expression could be inhibited by taurine. In summary, the results further emphasize the potential utilization of taurine in protecting livers against endotoxin-induced injury especially after HIR, by its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities.     

Effect of angiotensin II on angiotensinogen production in adrenalectomized rats

The present study was performed to examine the effect of angiotensin II on hepatic angiotensinogen production in adrenalectomized rats. The hepatic angiotensinogen mRNA levels in rats without adrenal glands increased 2.8-fold 4 h after the start of angiotensin II infusion. In intact rats with adrenal glands, the hepatic angiotensinogen mRNA levels increased 2.7-fold 4 h after the start. The angiotensin II infusions did not only increase angiotensinogen mRNA levels in intact rats but also increased those in adrenalectomized rats. The results suggest that the angiotensinogen response to ANG II was not dependent on adrenal glucocorticoid.