Effects of cortisol pretreatment on the acute hepatotoxicity of aflatoxin B1.

Effects of cortisol pretreatment on acute hepatotoxicity induced by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) were investigated in female rats. Pretreatment of cortisol (1.0-10.0 mg/kg body weight) for 7 consecutive days markedly increased mortality rate, activity of plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase (PGPT), plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (PGOT) and liver triglycerides induced by AFB1 (3.0 mg/kg body weight). The potentiating action of cortisol on hepatic necrosis of AFB1 showed a dose-dependent pattern. The possible mechanism of its action may be related to an increase in the activity of aniline hydroxylase and formation of AFB1-2,3-epoxide which in turn caused a marked increase in AFB1 binding to hepatic DNA and proteins, and lipid peroxide formation. Therefore, the potentiating action of cortisol on AFB1 hepatotoxicity may possibly increase the damage to DNA and membranes of various organelles.