Diethyldithiocarbamate inhibition of galactosamine-induced hepatitis in rats.

Free-radical-mediated oxidant damage can contribute to acute hepatitis. Vitamin E, a classic antioxidant, has been tested as a therapy for rodent acute hepatitis, but the protection achieved has not been complete. This study demonstrated that in rats, sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), a potent antioxidant, strongly depressed galactosamine-induced hepatitis in terms of serum alanine amino transferase activities and bile acids, though not in terms of serum beta-glucuronidase activities. A potential limitation for DDC use in humans, inhibition of copper metalloenzyme activities, did occur at the DDC dose used here. However, these effects were not severe. Thus, DDC could make a useful short term therapeutic drug for acute hepatitis.