Hepatic protection by 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (DMPG) against acute aflatoxin B1-induced injury in the rat

Studies were conducted to assess the possible protective action of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E₂ (DMPG) against acute aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) induced hepatic injury in the rat. Evaluation of liver damage of histopathologic techniques and clinical chemistry indicated that hepatic necrosis was ameliorated by treatment with DMPG even though binding of radiolabeled (3H)-AFB₁ to hepatic DNA was unaffected by this prostaglandin. However, DMPG did not protect rats against AFB₁-induced mortality. These data suggest that hepatic protection by DMPG was due to mechanisms other than an interference with the activation or hepatic binding of AFB₁.