Liver injury associated with n-acetylcysteine administration

This study included 90 adult male albino rats. They were divided into two groups, each comprising 45 rats, out of which 15 were used as controls. N- acetylcysteine was given orally in a doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for three weeks. At the end of each week 10 rats from each experimental group as well as 5 rats from control animals were sacrificed and biochemical and pathological studies for hepatic functions and biochemical and pathological studies for hepatic functions and structure were performed. NAC in the high dose group induced significant changes in the liver function tests suggestive of liver dysfunction and damage. Histopathological studies revealed cell ballooning partial dilatation with round cell infiltration, portal tract fibrosis and proliferations. It was concluded that NAC in small dose is safe and can be used, while in large dose it has a hepatotoxic potential

Effect of lead nitrate administration on liver and kidney structure in rats

A study was conducted on male albino rats ranging in weight between 150 and 180 g. The animals were given a single and repeated intravenous injections of lead nitrate [100 mumol/kg body weight] once every 10 days for two, three and four injections, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed that induction of hepatic and renal cellular proliferation without cellular necrosis occurred with single and repeated administration. No biochemical alterations in liver function tests and serum creatinine were detected throughout the whole period of study. These changes are suggested to be an adaptive response rather than a toxic effect