The preventive action of leflunomide on liver fibrosis and its mechanisms in mice / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

AIM To observe the preventive action of leflunomide (Lef) on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and explore its mechanism. METHODS Model of liver fibrosis in mice was induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl4(20% ). The levels of ALT\AST.NO in plasma and Hyp in liver tissue were determined by spectroscopy. The content of HA in plasma was determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Pretreatment of Lef (4, 12, 36 mg. kg- 1 ) significantly reduced the elevated levels of ALT.AST.NO in plas- ma and Hyp in liver tissue, Pathological examination suggested Lef has preventive action on experimental liver fibrosis with significance. CONCLUSION Lef has significantly preventive action on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis possibly mediated by reduction of NO.