[Changes of microsomal cytochrome P-450 content in carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in mice--comparison to the extent of histopathological changes].

Changes in the levels of hepatic microsomal P-450 were measured in mice during the course of acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and the findings were compared to the extent of histopathological changes. Seventy-two male mice were divided into three groups: Group (I), no treatment, used for liver P-450 assay; Group (II), treated with CCl4 plus an equal amount of olive oil at a dose of 0.2 ml/100g body weight; and Group (III), received olive oil alone. Predominant hepatic changes observed in the mice of group II were centrilobular hemorrhage with necrosis occurred by 24 hours after CCl4 administration. Microsomal cytochrome P-450 level decreased up to 25% of that control. In contrast, no appreciable change was seen either histopathologically or biochemically in the mice of group III. The observed decrease in liver microsomal cytochrome P-450 content suggested the possibility that detoxification capacity of endoplasmic reticulum in CCl4-injured hepatocyte was highly impaired and the impairment affected the following various functions of the tissues in animals.