Chemoprotective effects of two dithiolthiones and of butylhydroxyanisole against carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen toxicity.

Administration of tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole or of two dithiolthiones to female CD-1 mice protected against the acute toxic effects of two hepatotoxic agents, acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride. Reduced mortality of mice was observed following pretreatment with tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole or dithiolthiones. Pretreatment reduced or prevented hepatic glutathione depletion produced by these two hepatotoxic agents. Liver damage, i.e., as determined by serum transaminase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities, was less after pretreatment with tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole or dithiolthiones. Administration of dithiolthiones resulted in increased (from four- to over six-fold) activities of liver glutathione-S-transferases.