Effect of disulfiram on function of the liver of rats with galactosamine-induced hepatitis.

This study was aimed to examine whether disulfiram (DS) may exacerbate the pre-existing liver damage induced by D-galactosamine (GalN) in rats. DS, 600 mg/kg, administered by gavage for 3 days caused an increase in asparagine aminotransferase (AspAT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) and a decrease in cholinesterase (ChE) activity in the serum and decrease in AspAT and ChE activity in the liver. DS given to rats with GAlN-induced liver injury caused significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (A1AT) and bilirubin level in serum in comparison with rats with GalN-damaged liver but without DS treatment. In summary, DS exacerbates a damage of the liver of rats. This study supported the clinical observations showing enhanced liver damage in alcoholics treated with DS.