Reduction of chemically induced hepatitis in rats by adenosine

ABSTRACT

The protective effect of adenosine [1 mg/kg LP.] in hepatitis induced experimentally in rats with dgalactosamine [800 mg/kg LP.] was assessed. The degree of protection was determined biochemically by measuring AST, ALT and bilirubin in addition to hepatic nitric oxide, and by histo-pathological examination of liver. In d-galactosamine induced hepatitis in rats, there were significant elevation of ALT, AST, bilirubin and NO2 and NO3 in addition to foci of necrosis and infiltration of lymphocytes in hepatic lobules and portal tracts. In rats treated with adenosine [1 mg/kg LP.] there were significant reduction of ALT, AST, bilirubin and NO2 and NO3 in addition to more or less normal histological picture of liver. In conclusion, these findings revealed that adenosine had a protective anti-inflammatory effect on liver and this effect may be due to a reduction of hepatic nitric oxide