Protective effect of an oestrogen against endotoxin-induced liver enzyme release.

Groups of mice were given oestrone acetate or vitamin E subcutaneously to determine how these treatments might modify responses to endotoxic lipopolysaccharide given intraperitoneally. Release of hepatic transaminase and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) into serum and induction of manganous superoxide dismutase in the liver were measured. Significantly less transaminase and TNF were released into the circulation in mice given the steroid or vitamin E before the endotoxin. In endotoxin-treated animals oestrogen administration did not influence induction of the superoxide dismutase. It is postulated that protection of the liver in these experiments arises from a direct pharmacological antioxidant effect of the oestrogen.