Zinc in CCl4 toxicity.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of zinc in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Rats were treated with zinc acetate for four days. The zinc doses were 5 mg Zn/kg and 10 mg Zn/kg body weight respectively. Two groups of the zinc acetate-treated rats were later challenged with a single dose of CCl4 (1.5 mL/kg body weight).

RESULTS

Compared to control animals, the plasma of rats treated with CCl4 showed hyperbilirubinaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypercreatinaemia and hypoproteinaemia. When the animals were however supplemented with zinc in form of zinc acetate before being dosed with CCl4, the 5 mg Zn/kg body weight of zinc acetate reversed the hypoproteinaemia induced by CCl4, whereas the 10 mg Zn/kg body weight of zinc acetate reversed the hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia and hypercreatinaemia induced by CCl4.

CONCLUSION

The 10 mg Zn/kg body weight of zinc acetate is more consistent in protecting against CCl4 hepatotoxicity. The possible mechanisms of protection are highlighted.