Effects Of Alcohol And Paracetamol On Hepatic Glutathione Concentration In Albino Rats

Abstract

The effect of paracetamol on hepatic glutathione concentration in rats after chronic alcohol and given intoxication was investigated using biochemical indices. Male albino rats were grouped into five and the different dosage regimens of paracetamol (300 mg/kg) and 12% alcohol. Hepatic glutathione concentration and the percentage liver weight to body weight were then measured. The administration of alcohol alone increased the percentage liver weight to body weight by 5.9% as well as the hepatic glutathione concentration to as high as 19.5% whilst that of paracetamol alone caused a reduction in percentage liver weight to body weight of 5.9% and hepatic glutathione concentration of 23.8%. The administration of paracetamol to alcohol intoxicated rats reduced the enzyme inducting effect of alcohol, as shown by mean percentage liver weight to body weight of 2.9% and GSH percentage depletion of 9.5%. There was a significant increase in the activity of Glutathione-s- Transferase in rats administered alcohol and paracetamol for four days compared to control. In conclusion the administration of paracetamol after excessive consumption of alcohol may cause more damage than the expected relief.

KEY WORDS: Hepatic Glutathione concentration, Paracetamol and alcohol which revealed that administration

Journal of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol. 4: 2003: 8-11