Effects of the Nitric oxide donor L-argjnine on the early stages of liver damage in rats treated with CCL[4]

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nitric oxide [NO] donor L-arginine and consequently the NO on the early of liver damage and biochemical changes in rats Injected with CCL[4], Thirty two male albino rats weighing 180-220 g studied and divided into four groups. Group 1 rats were not injected or treated with any drug [control, n = 8]. Group 2 rats were injected with CCL[4] for 6 weeks [CCL[4] treated, n = 8]. Group 3 rats were injected with CCL[4] and L- arginine for 6 weeks [CCL[4]/L-argioina treated, n = 8]. Group 4 rats were injected with L-arginine and L-NAME intraperitoneal for 6 weeks [CCL[4]/L-arginine and L-NAME treated]. After 2 weeks of study, blood samples were collected for determination of activities of Alanine-transferase [ALT], aspartate amino-transferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [AP] and the concentrations of total bilirubin. At the end of study the right lobe of liver was removed and divided into 2 pieces. The first piece used for histopathological examination by light microscopy and the second piece used for determination of NO concentration in tissue, The serum bilirubin and liver enzymes significantly increased in CCL[4] treated, and CCL[4]-L arginine and L-NANE treated groups in comparison with the control group, However, the liver enzymes were significantly in CCL[4]/L-arginine treated group in comparison with CCL[4] treated and CCL[4]/L-arginine and L-NAME treated groups. In the CCL[4] treated and CCL[4]/L-arginine and L-NAME treated groups the total nitrite [NOx] concentrations were significantly lower than in CCL[4]/untreated and CCL[4]/L-arginine treated groups. Histological Activity index Scores of the CCL[4]treated and CCL[4]/L-arginine and L-NAME treated groups were higher than in control group and CCL[4]/L-arginine treated groups. The degree of necro-inflammation and fibrosis showed significant difference between the CCL[4] and CCL[4]/L-arginine treated groups. In conclusion, the NO donor, L-arginine improved hepatic cell damage and fibrosis and positively affect serum amino transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase mostly through increasing the concentrations of NOx in hepatic tissue