RESUMEN
The potentiating effects of phenobarbitone sodium on the experimental induction of liver necrosis and cirrhosis by carbon tetrachloride [CCL4] were studied in 50 rats. CC14 was given by intraperitoneal injection, phenobarbitone in drinking water. Thirty rats received both agents; and 10 each received only one agent. In 7 of 10 animals given CC14alone, moderate cirrhosis without ascites developed within 6 to 8 weeks; the other 3 rats died before fourth week. All animals receiving both agents and surviving for as long as 5 to 8 weeks developed severe cirrhosis with marked proliferation of the bile ducts within 2 months. Most of these animals also had ascites. Five rats given only phenobarbitone remained healthy, although their livers increased in weight