Effects of vitamin E on D-galactosamine-induced or carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity.

Experimental liver disorders were induced by the use of carbon tetrachloride or D-galactosamine hydrochloride in rats maintained on a vitamin E deficient diet and in rats fed a diet supplemented with vitamin E, and the protective effect of vitamin E on the liver was determined. After exposure to carbon tetrachloride or D-galactosamine hydrochloride the serum levels of transaminases, lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase, and acid phosphatase were elevated, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in serum and liver homogenate were also increased. The changes were conspicuous in the vitamin E deficient rats, but were only slight in rats fed a diet supplemented with vitamin E. The results of this study suggest that vitamin E has a protective effect on liver disorders by inhibiting lysosomal enzyme liberation and lipid peroxidation.