Potentiation of hepatotoxicity by ethanol in galactosamine-induced hepatitis in rats: role of propylthiouracil protection.

Chronic ingestion of ethanol (5 g/kg/day) for 6 weeks increased the hepatotoxicity of a single injection of D-galactosamine (330 mg/kg) in rats. Plasma transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and sulphobromophthalein retention were consistently high in alcohol-fed rats compared to sucrose-fed controls, 25 hours after galactosamine administration. Liver histology in sucrose-fed rats revealed typical inflammatory changes and cytoplasmic vacuolation without cell necrosis was seen. Propylthiouracil treatment had no beneficial or protective effect in alcohol-fed rats in this animal model of hepatitis.