Influence of intraperitoneally administered formaldehyde on bile production and tissue glutathione levels in rats.

The influence of formaldehyde on bile secretion and tissue glutathione concentrations was investigated in male Sprague Dawley rats following a sublethal intraperitoneal administration (72 mg/kg). Within 2-3 h of administration formaldehyde caused a 2-fold increase in secretion of bile and significant decrease in the levels of glutathione in liver (39% of control) followed by kidney (33%), lung (31%) and brain (22%). The results indicate a possible protective role of glutathione in the toxicity of formaldehyde.