[Content of SH- and --S--S-groups in the blood and liver homogenates in acute poisoning with tetracycline antibiotics].

It was shown in experiments with albino rats that intoxication with tetracyclines and especially with chlortetracycline and tetracycline lowered the levels of sulfhydryl groups in the blood and liver homogenates of the animals, while the levels of the --S--S-groups increased. Tetracycline is characterized by a lower hepatotoxic action and did not affect the levels of sulfhydryl groups. It is suggested that impairment of lipid metabolism, inhibition of bile production and suppression of tissue respiration and oxidative phosphorylation due to oxidation or binding of SH-groups of enzymes and low molecular substances were the main links in the pathogenesis of liver fatty degeneration induced by tetracycline antibiotics.