Curative and protective effects of L-arginine on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

L-arginine may aid in the liver detoxification and may benefit in the treatment of liver disorders such as liver injury. The present study was to investigate the possible protective and curative effects of L-arginine on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) induced hepatotoxicity. Mice received a single dose of CCl(4). L-arginine treatment was given for 6 days prior or post to CCl(4) injection. CCl(4)-intoxication caused marked liver cell necrosis with inflammatory and apoptotic lesions. L-arginine treatment reduced hepatic necrosis and inflammation. CCl(4)-intoxication also enhanced hepatic lipid peroxidation, decreased hepatic GSH level and inhibited the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Pre-treatment and post-treatment with L-arginine decreased lipid peroxidation and restored the antioxidant status to near normal levels. These results suggest that L-arginine administration has hepatoprotective and hepatocurative effects against CCl(4) induced hepatotoxicity in mice.