[Plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase in experimental liver necrosis induced by overdosage of paracetamol in mice].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between the hepatocellular damage and ALT plasma level after paracetamol overdosage in mice.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A total of 30 female, 16 week-old mice (Souris OF1 strain), weighing 25-30 g were used. After 18 hours fast period, single doses of 500 mg/kg of paracetamol were administered intraperitoneally. The animals were killed by decapitation 24 hours after paracetamol injection, fasting being continued, although free access to water was allowed. ALT plasma levels were determined. The hepatocellular damage was graded from 0-4 (+). Plasma levels of mercapturate conjugate were measured by HPLC.

RESULTS

The study showed a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.8, p = 0.00001) between ALT plasma levels and the degree of hepatocellular damage but not with concentrations of mercapturate conjugate.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that ALT plasma levels give a reliable indication of the severity of hepatic necrosis, after experimental paracetamol overdosage in mice.