Studies on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) after di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure.

Administration of Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) at doses of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg to adult rats was found to significantly increase the activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in liver and serum in a dose-dependent manner. The data indicate that DEHP can be hepatotoxic since an increase in serum GGT levels are indicative of hepatobiliary dysfunction and liver malignancy. An assay of GGT in serum of the individuals exposed to DEHP could be helpful in early detection of liver disorders due to this widely used plasticizer.