Protection by sinomenine against endotoxin-induced fulminant hepatitis in galactosamine-sensitized mice.

Sinomenine, an epimorphinan alkaloid, was tested for protecting hepatitis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in galactosamine (GalN)-sensitized mice. Sinomenine protected against the hepatic injuries in the dose range of 10-100 mg/kg in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which appeared in serum earlier than aminotransferases in GalN/LPS-treated mice. Sinomenine significantly suppressed the in vitro production of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in the macrophage cultures stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate acetate. It is discussed that sinomenine prevents GalN/LPS-treated hepatic failure by suppressing TNF production and/or reactive oxygen generation.